Front end wont stay aligned on 2000 Pathy, wheel bearing?

[Casutherland42]

I got new tires on my 2000 Nissan Pathfinder last year, and the front end just wont seem to stay aligned? I had someone come out and take a look and he said that the wheel had some play in it when he moved it back and forth, after jacking the car up. If it is the wheel bearing, where is a good place to purchase the part? Also, what all is needed in the repair? Just the wheel bearing itself, or is there more involved? Are there other parts to check/replace while I am down there working on the front end?

[fueler]

Yes there is an upper strut bearing that affects steering. I had the same problem for 2 years, could never figure out alignment, alignment would go out of whack with every test drive.

Also turned out there was a Nissan TSB on upper strut bearing, I have yet to go in dealer to see what BS they come up with. I have the letter in front of me but it has no TSB#, looks like it goes off VIN#.

Not guaranteeing this will be your problem but it's something to check. Mine caused alignment & steering problems for a long time and even failed once in Mexico leaving me to fend for myself for 600 miles of desert with a crooked wheel and strut stabbing the battery.

[Casutherland42]

This honestly may be it, mine is not that bad though! But, when I am driving, I have to keep the wheel left to stay straight. If I let go of the wheel, it starts to veer left automatically. Also, when traveling at about 55-65 MPH, my wheel starts to shake pretty noticeably. Something that probably doesn't HAVE to be fixed yet, but its fairly annoying and a rather "cheap" fix?

[mateen110]

ever find out this issue? I have the same problem

[Casutherland42]

I replaced both the wheel bearings and axles and still not fixed yet. Hoping that if I replace the tie rods that may fix it.

[mateen110]

I replaced both the wheel bearings and axles and still not fixed yet. Hoping that if I replace the tie rods that may fix it.

does your vehicle sometimes pull to the left, and sometimes pull to the right? That is what is happening to mine. Then, occasionally, it will drive perfectly straight. Happens w/ brand new tires-- balanced & aligned

[Casutherland42]

Mine typically pulls only to the right. Eventually I have to have to steering wheel about halfway to the left just to go straight. I have lifetime alignments with Firestone, and it gets unaligned like every few months. Not sure what the issue is.

[Buzzman]

This was posted a couple of weeks ago.
Might be worth checking out.

steering-problem-t589563.html

[00pathyse]

I have the same issue. I have replaced wheel bearings, tie rods, rack bushings, struts, bearings. The only thing I have not replaced is the sway bar bushings and the rack itself. Mine pulls slightly left most of the time but when fully loaded it will drive straight or sometimes slightly right. (My family is average weight)

I would be very interested if you find out what your problem is.