Steering transfer gear

[chris_clark1979]

Has anybody had any problems with the transfer gear?
I have a loud clunk coming from mine. I can only hear it when the truck's not running. There's no play in the gear just a clunk.
While i'm driving my steering is a lil loose when turing from off center. My outer tie rods are good. I have no play from my pinion either.

[fueler]

I can't understand what you are asking. Transfer case is related to 4x4, but then you go on to discuss steering issues.

I assume you hear a clunk when turning the wheel? Upper strut bearings would be my first suspect as they fail quickly in these cars. Nissan even had a recall on these bearings. http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/ ... g-warning/

When they fail, the suspension will puncture whatever is in it's way. Just check it out.

If that's not the problem, other things to check would be tie rods.

[chris_clark1979]

Its the steering transfer gear. Not the transfer case. It connects the steering wheel shaft to the rack & pinion.

[fueler]

i assumed as much. sorry for the confusion, ive never heard it called that before. I'd still check the strut bearings first.

[Densetsu]

Mine was leaking grease after a seal broke on it. It didn't handle any differently, and there were no noises either. The only reason I knew it was leaking grease was because I found gobs of grease on the faux skid plate when I was adjusting the belts.

If you're absolutely sure it's the transfer gear, it's not that difficult to replace yourself. It's a costly piece though, and you'll likely need an alignment afterwards.

I lucked out and found one in the single R50 that's at my local auto wreckers. It was from an older 96-99 Pathy and my steering now is a bit "looser", but it did the trick.

[chris_clark1979]

Densetsu: Do you still have your old one?
I've been thinking that the square bolt on the opposite side of the inputs is a adjustment. The parts diagram shows the the bolt I'm talking about rests against the two gears acting likes a tension bolt.

[Densetsu]

I kept it; it's covered in grease but I figured if I decided to buy new seals for it I might be able to fix it.

The square bolt on it is just a plug. If you take it out, you'd be able to put grease into it. My original didn't have it, but the one I pulled did. I couldn't find any specs in the service manual on what kind of grease is used, though. According to Nissan, the steering transfer gear is non-serviceable and it should be completely replaced if there's issues.

[chris_clark1979]

Yea i saw that NISSAN said its not serviceable. But thats BS. Thanks for the info. on the plug. I have no sign of grease leaking. I might go to the yard and get my hands on one.