Found something out today

[pathfinder9035]

So i was driving on he highway at around 75-80 mph. And i realized.....Damn the pathy doesnt take side winds very well! lol

I was all over the place. I was fighting with the car trying to keep it in a straight line. and I returned horrible gas mileage doing so with all the wind. I mean it was only 30 mph winds.

just thought i rant about that. This was the first time i ever drove the pathy in heavy winds on the highway.

oh yeah i got another question.'

Loud clunking from front suspension when i go over an imperfection in the road. I really doubt its my stabilizer links. U guys think its my strut towers, or the struts themselvs, maybe even the ball joint? It's getting more noticeable and louder.

[Buzzman]

I was all over the place. Loud clunking from front suspension when i go over an imperfection in the road. I really doubt its my stabilizer links.

Don't dismiss your links too quickly.If they've never been replaced on your '01, then I would seriously think about changing them out.I've replaced mine twice for exactly the problem you describe. Did it myself in the driveway. They're cheap, and not that difficult to replace.You may also want to read up on the swaying issue as it is related to the rear sway bar bushings wearing out. That may be another problem on your rig.How many miles do you have by the way?

[pathfinder9035]

110k and i dont have any swaying problem. just my alignment is alittle off.

all i am concerned about is this rediuclous clunking noise that is pissing me off. I will figure out what it is but like is aid i dont thinkg its the links because they look like they are in very good condition. i think its my ball joints or strut towers.

[Buzzman]

Hate to keep harping on this, but I definitely think you should replace your links, especially at your mileage.The links will look good from a visual point of view. They do not change in appearance when they wear out. Trust me.A quick way to check is to grab the underside of the front fender, above the front wheel, and lift and drop the front corner. In other words, rock each side up and down. It will clunk if the links have any play in them.The links are under $100.00 by the way, and easy to replace.

[pathfinder9035]

oh thx...your right it does clunk from rocking it. Can i wait alittle longer ? will it break anything else. Can i leave it off till like spring when it gets warmer so i can do it myself? i really dont feel like fixing them in the cold. or taking them to a garage.

[Mariach]

Yea it is definetly not the greatest in cross winds. throw some slick snow/ice covered roads and it turns nice and treacherous.My pathy was doing the same thing, i've had the ball joint front and rear, links, and sway bars all replaced over the past 3 years.

[Buzzman]

Can i wait a little longer ? will it break anything else. Can i leave it off till like spring when it gets warmer so i can do it myself?

No problem. Worn links are not a safety issue as such. If they break (and I've seen it happen), then the front end gets really "soft", and will lean quite a bit when cornering. If they break, then I wouldn't wait.For now, it's just annoying, more than anything else.

[pathfinder9035]

yeah i have notice that too. My pathy isnt as stiff as it use to be. i always thought it was the struts but when i push down on the front end its as stiff as nails. So i got comfused. hopefully it is just the links and not the whole stabilizer bar or something like that.