Pathfinder Steering Question

Zilverado · Feb 6th, 2003, 03:34 PM

Our 1992 Pathfinder 4wd w/ power steering, has always seemed a bit "loose" in the steering. I've been told that the 31" tires tend to magnify this situation. It tends to wander a bit.

All the front end parts still seem tight, but I do notice a fair amount of play in the steering gear box. Rotation of the steering shaft is not immediately transferred through the gear to the pitman arm.

Is this normal, or does this sound like a worn gear. The vehicle has about 150+ miles on it. Very little off road experience, mostly city/highway.

Any thoughts?

Tolleyy · Feb 6th, 2003, 04:50 PM

Check you're centerlink. If you jack up the vehicle and move the RF tire back and forth,look at the centerlink mounting up to the tie rod end and see if there's some movement in it. If so that's your problem.I usually waste a centerlink after a good day of 4wheeling... it's pretty weak.

Zilverado · Feb 6th, 2003, 05:07 PM

Thanks Tolleyy,

So the play in the steering gear does not seem to be a problem??

Also, I don't have my manual with me right now. Can you tell me which one is the centerlink.

Tolleyy · Feb 6th, 2003, 05:32 PM

You're welcome.

The Nissan steering gear box is pretty strong... I've never heard of anyone having to replace it. Probably because the centerlink goes before anything else gets a chance to break.

The centerlink is the metal rod that goes from each outer tie rod on each wheel. it's also connected to the pitman arm on the drivers side and the idler arm on the passenger side. kind of looks like a dogbone.

another thought is that the idler arm bushings might be wasted too. check that for play also. Just see if it moves around or seems loose.

Terrano R3m · Aug 19th, 2006, 10:20 AM

Another thing, when you replace the centerlink, install a steering damper. This will help a lot to save your centerlink and also manage those big 31's.

**88pathoffroad** · Aug 22nd, 2006, 10:59 PM

I've ruined a steering box, so they're not fail-safe...

Yes, the stering box is adjustable and over time, they do develop some internal play that can be ameliorated by adjustment. There is a nut holding a slotted bolt in place on the top side of the box, loosen the nut and adjust the slotted bolt to reduce play in the box's worm gear. Don't tighten it too much or you will cause undue wear.