Steering wheel shake / rattle

[KoukiS14]

I have a rattle that corresponds to a shake in my steering wheel when I go over small / medium bumps. I spent some time under there yesterday, but nothing seems loose. The rattle sounds like it's heavy metal on metal, in other words, not a heat shield. As it rattles, the steering wheel shakes at about the same frequency, and I can feel more bumps in the road via my wheel than I could before.

I'm assuming it's a problem with a steering component, but I'm not sure where to go next..

[KoukiS14]

I think I may actually bring this one to a shop. . I honestly can't find a single thing loose under there. . Maybe I just need a lift to really see.

Def appears linked to steering or front suspension in some way.

[03Chillinkoot]

Could be a tie rod end

[Pisspi]

Jack it up to the highest point and place stands under the frame. After that, get something long enough to lift the wheel up and down. Maybe you'll hear and see where the rattle is coming from. If nothing, maybe shake the wheel and try to get something.

I think I may actually bring this one to a shop. . I honestly can't find a single thing loose under there. . Maybe I just need a lift to really see.

Def appears linked to steering or front suspension in some way.

[KoukiS14]

Jack it up to the highest point and place stands under the frame. After that, get something long enough to lift the wheel up and down. Maybe you'll hear and see where the rattle is coming from. If nothing, maybe shake the wheel and try to get something.

This is def. a good plan. . Thanks

Chillinkoot -- I'll check the tie rod when it's lifted, I think that's my problem. . I could find nothing loose when it sits (duh) . . I'm now not surprised why I couldn't when a 4700 lb truck is sitting on top of it all. . haha

[fueler]

how about wheel bearings?

[KoukiS14]

how about wheel bearings?

Good call. . but would that make a sound as if metal was being bounced on another piece of metal? I hope it's just a loose bolt somewhere.

I gotta drive this thing to NC in a couple weeks, and gas will rape me bad enough. . haha

[nissandoms47]

yeah the wheel bearings could be some of it. when the truck is in the air grab the top and the bottom of the wheel and try to pull in/out. If it moves then the wheel bearings need to be repacked/adjusted.

[KoukiS14]

Took it in to a shop as I was unable to diagnose this. The problem, according to the mechanic, is that the LF strut has leaked all the oil, and the RF is in the process of leaking oil, in addition to that, the bearing plate on the driver's side needs replaced -- that's where the rattle comes from.

Quote: $785 + tax

I'm taking it home, there's no way in hell that 160 dollars worth of struts and a ~55 dollar bearing plate should cost that much to install.

Personally, I feel that the struts are fine. . I have no issues with handling, it doesn't bounce, and I'll have to verify this. I'd rather upgrade all four ya know?

[KoukiS14]

I'm going to ASSUME QX4 and Pathfinder struts are the same -- is that an alright assumption?

'bout to order me some -- any recommendations? I'm eyeing KYB.

Also, I have no idea where to buy the bearing plate. . stealership?

[KoukiS14]

ugh I just realized there is no part known in my FSM as "bearing plate" -- hope I don't have to take it apart and guess... would anyone know what the guy's referring to? I hate to ask the mechanic that I just told that I don't want him to touch my truck, ya know? :o

I have:

1) Spacer2) Strut mounting insulator3) Bracket4) Strut mounting bearing5) Spring upper seat

[Transtek]

My guess would be number 2 on the diagram, as this part is frequently referred to as a strut bearing. (I have replaced these on VW Golfs when the steering becomes "loose").Let me know how you get on as over roof roads, my Pathy does tend to shake a lot, which you feel right through to the steering wheel as if it's not completely connected!

[KoukiS14]

My guess would be number 2 on the diagram, as this part is frequently referred to as a strut bearing. (I have replaced these on VW Golfs when the steering becomes "loose").Let me know how you get on as over roof roads, my Pathy does tend to shake a lot, which you feel right through to the steering wheel as if it's not completely connected!

I sure will -- I picked up the qx4 at lunch, and it does just shake a bit. . the rattle is more evident on medium bumps. Other than that, it drives alright. I tend to think my mechanic is full of crap about the struts, but I'll change them both anyway, cause hey why not. .

[fueler]

I paid 600 for all 4 KYB GR2 struts, installed, with new strut bearings and dust boots. I had an alignment shop tell me my inner tie rod ends are bad.... this can be cause?

[KoukiS14]

I paid 600 for all 4 KYB GR2 struts, installed, with new strut bearings and dust boots. I had an alignment shop tell me my inner tie rod ends are bad.... this can be cause?

Yeah it's like.. raping me isn't enough -- they were also going to spit on me when they were done. F that noise.It may be. . I looked at it all today after work, but it looks okay. .

Here's why I'm currently super pissed: Immediately after work, I come home and take my wheel off, see how they made their determination -- I noticed NO bolts appeared to have been removed. . It's like they guessed.

[03Chillinkoot]

Took it in to a shop as I was unable to diagnose this. The problem, according to the mechanic, is that the LF strut has leaked all the oil, and the RF is in the process of leaking oil, in addition to that, the bearing plate on the driver's side needs replaced -- that's where the rattle comes from.

Quote: $785 + tax

I'm taking it home, there's no way in hell that 160 dollars worth of struts and a ~55 dollar bearing plate should cost that much to install.

Personally, I feel that the struts are fine. . I have no issues with handling, it doesn't bounce, and I'll have to verify this. I'd rather upgrade all four ya know?

I also just wanted to add. If the struts are leaking out all the oil you would be able to see the oil around the struts would you not?

[maxZpak]

did you ever find out what that noise shake was? I have a 2000 nissan pathfinder and I have the same problem looked at the suspension and everything looks good.

[KoukiS14]

It was identified by the mechanic as a bearing plate, however they didn't take it apart -- wasn't hard to tell they never wrenched on the thing. . that angered me a bit.

[NCQX4]

I have a similar situation going on in my 99 QX4. I have 140K miles on it and no front-end work ever done. When I hit bumps in the road, especially the larger ones, the right front tire bounces off the road surface. Just like a basketball…… The larger potholes the tire bounces several times. On smooth parts, it rides fine. The effect is felt as a wobble in the steering wheel. I ruled out the tires (it was time for a rotation). Looked up under the front end and found nothing loose or leaking. You guys have been helpful but I can’t get to the problem from hear yet. I also had my mechanic (I hate to farm out my work) look at it and he said nothing is wrong. But he looked at it before I noticed the basketball effect after hitting a pothole. Any one ever have this problem? Thanks!!

[fueler]

thats an easy one - old / blown strut. Always the culprit for basketball wheels.

[NCQX4]

That what I was afraid of. It was the only thing it could be........ but I had to hear it from the forum. Thanks !!

[maxZpak]

my wheels dont bounce though, my strearing wheel shakes when I hit small bumps or pot holes.

[NCQX4]

Have someone drive your Pathfinder while you drive along looking at the front tires. You will be amazed how much the tire bounces along the road. Bigger bumps I swear the tire came off the road one inch........