My '97 Pathfinder just had some front end work and I thought that the problem would go away. It used to make this popping sound when I turn the wheel far to either side. It would also "stick" and the Pathy would veer to the same direction until I hit a large porthole or turned the wheel far to the opposite direction. I had the struts and the washers that are on top of them, the steering rack, tie rod ends, front rotors turned, and new front brakes. I then took it in for a computerized wheel alignment.
The popping sound went away, but it still pulled to one side or the other. I took it right back to the alignment shop and they tested it again. Their tests showed it was aligned to the best their computer can tell.
So has anyone had this type of issue before? After spending nearly $1500 getting the front end back into shape, I was a little disappointed that it still pulls to the side. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks.
Pathfinder likes to veer off center down the road
Re: Pathfinder likes to veer off center down the road
Check to see if you have a bent control arm.
Re: Pathfinder likes to veer off center down the road
It is my experience that the guys doing the work trust their machines and thus their machines are the truth.
I have had 55 balanced wheel and tire trials and errors to get 5 correct wheel assemblies. The fault was....
.....the tire balancing machine and no matter how much I yelled and complained they would do nothing because the machine was judge and jury.
After finding another shop, recommended by the tire manufacturer, the wheel assemblies were corrected the first time.
The same or similar problem was discovered by alignment places.
To resolve this type of s***, where people believe their equipment is right, I do a preliminary check of my QX4.
Are the tires and wheel assemblies still round?
Are tire pressures where they should be?
Are tires damaged, hit or bruised or full of stones in tread?
Are tires the same height, weight?
A quick test with a tape measure will tell you if the tires are tracking, square, centered, and if the truck is riding at the right height.
Knowing all this will help these experts out when trying to find a drive problem with:
Suspension, tires, front end, steering and even braking.
You must know what you're up against. Some diagnosticians think they are all knowing, only the ones that listen can understand the problem, the rest go blindly and with deafen ears about their business with no real clue as to what they are trying to do.
The first time you meet someone who will repair your vehicle, that person must be willing to hear you out, understand what you think is the problem and then discuss with you. It takes conversation before any work can be repaired if you are relying on someone else!
All the work you describe was performed by me on a 97 QX4. Since a pro did your work, bring it back to them and allow them to finish the work, because as it stands now they did not finalize the repairs.
Talk to the owner of the shop! If no owner a person who can make a decision! What ever you do do not let them get away with this type of work!
I have had 55 balanced wheel and tire trials and errors to get 5 correct wheel assemblies. The fault was....
.....the tire balancing machine and no matter how much I yelled and complained they would do nothing because the machine was judge and jury.
After finding another shop, recommended by the tire manufacturer, the wheel assemblies were corrected the first time.
The same or similar problem was discovered by alignment places.
To resolve this type of s***, where people believe their equipment is right, I do a preliminary check of my QX4.
Are the tires and wheel assemblies still round?
Are tire pressures where they should be?
Are tires damaged, hit or bruised or full of stones in tread?
Are tires the same height, weight?
A quick test with a tape measure will tell you if the tires are tracking, square, centered, and if the truck is riding at the right height.
Knowing all this will help these experts out when trying to find a drive problem with:
Suspension, tires, front end, steering and even braking.
You must know what you're up against. Some diagnosticians think they are all knowing, only the ones that listen can understand the problem, the rest go blindly and with deafen ears about their business with no real clue as to what they are trying to do.
The first time you meet someone who will repair your vehicle, that person must be willing to hear you out, understand what you think is the problem and then discuss with you. It takes conversation before any work can be repaired if you are relying on someone else!
All the work you describe was performed by me on a 97 QX4. Since a pro did your work, bring it back to them and allow them to finish the work, because as it stands now they did not finalize the repairs.
Talk to the owner of the shop! If no owner a person who can make a decision! What ever you do do not let them get away with this type of work!