Steering Wheel & Front End Shake?

[LowSpark]

Just bought a 1999 Infiniti QX4 with 160K miles from the original owner. It was maintained by the dealer and came with all the maintenance records which indicate that the truck was well cared for. I test drove it and it ran really well so I bought it. I picked it up yesteday and drove it home (about 120 miles) and I noticed that the steering wheel and front end shake when I go over any bumps or rough patches of road (I didn't notice this in the test drive). This problem doesn't exist on smooth road or when turning - just rough or bumpy road. It doesn't appear to be out of alignment since there is no pull to either side when driving and the shocks seem firm. I looked at the maintenance records and noticed that 8 months ago, the front left & right inner CV joints were replaced as were the bearings and seals. The front axle shaft assembly was also removed & inspected but there's no indication of any problems, repair or replacement. The truck has never been in an accident. Unfortunately, I don't know much about how the front end works so I'm hoping that some of you experts out there can give me some advice & guidance before I head to my mechanic. Thanks.

[donald]

I test drove a R50/2001 Pathfinder once and at parking lot speeds, it make a "clunky" sound as if something was loose underneath the truck.

After talking it over with my brother, it sounded like a bushing - of course, I forget which! bushing it was...

[ARKQX33V6]

Check the tire tread carefully, look for wear signs on the edges, look for cupping on the tread, how much left to tread bars? Sounds like front shocks inside the tower struts are going or gone, see if they have been done in your records. Take a look at the front McPherson strut members are the springs rusted, the end of spring missing there plastic coating. Look at shocks, missing or broken rubber covers, oil mist around lower steel, if so, worn.

That car is hard to bounce by hand, but give it a try and see if any rebound takes place, it should stop bouncing when you stop jumping on the bumper, but as I said this test is hard to do.

Instead jack it up and remove a tower and try to extend and close the shock, it likely is worn, loose, no dampening. Test the top bearings by turning the wheel unladen lock to lock, engine off and feel for roughness, looseness and hear squeaks.

At 160,000 miles the shocks should have been replaced 2-3 times.

While under the front end take a pry bar and try to spread joints, links at connections, this will indicate wear and upcoming clicking noise.

A large pry bar 5' can be put under the raised front wheel and the rear of the bar raised and lowered to indicate bad ball joints and top strut tower wear.

Check your records for:transmission oil changes, transfer oil changes, coolant changes. The rear brake shoes will lat a long time, but the brakes need servicing: cleaning, greasing, de-glazing, the front brakes need an overhaul with caliper cleaning, lubing, and the brake fluid changes. All of which is normal routine maintenance.

Your records will indicate how and what was done.

[LowSpark]

Thanks for the informative reply. I don't see shocks ever being replaced but I ruled them out because the truck didn't move much when I pushed down on it with my hands. Sounds like my noob method didn't come close to actually determining if the shocks were OK. I'll check everything as you suggest. Thanks for the help!

[Buzzman]

Had the same problem come up on my 2002. Front struts needed replacing. I'd bet money on it.
(I went with KYB's.)
As for the front end clunking, 90% of the time it's worn stabilizer links....an easy and inexpensive fix.

[LowSpark]

Thanks Buzzman

[ARKQX33V6]

You are not strong enough to indicate the shocks and struts need replacing, but take one out and test it, but make sure you have new ones with you.

[Chuck Tribolet]

At 160,000 miles the shocks should have been replaced 2-3 times.

Modern shocks are a lot better than they used to be. My '01 is at 183,000 miles, and has the original shocks.
They are a OK. No rebound.

[LowSpark]

Thanks to all for your input and advice. Mechanic confirmed that it's shocks & struts. On the money Buzzman!

[Buzzman]

Keep us up to date if/when you have the work done:
What did you replace them with, how is the new ride? etc., etc.
Cheers.

[GRNMACHINE]

x2 on what Buzzman asked. I replaced the rear shocks with KYB Gas a Justs. Havent replaced the front struts yet and really dont want to spend the money to get them done either.

[VG33QX4]

Check for feathering on front tires.

My truck never did this until I swapped tires. My old michelins never shook bur i switched to some coopers and they feathered or scalloped quick. Even with a good alignment