svneo

I have 110k on my 97 se. I'm getting my plugs, fuel filter changed and also a fuel injector flush. I just had the timing belt done recently, is there anything else that I should have done at this point? The only other major service was the 60k done at the dealer about 2 years ago. Should the bearings need to be packed? Tranny flush? Or anything I should just have checked out at this point? What does a normal "tune-up" usually entail?

Thanks

lewisnc100

Check if the wires and distributor cap/rotor have ever been changed, if not you're due. Bearings every 30k or less if run through water. How about a coolant change? The trans filter is a screen so you won't need to drop the pan, just drain the pan or you can do a flush to get all fluid replaced. Change rear diff fluid and if a 4wd do the transfer case and front diff as well. PCV valve should have been changed around 100k. See how the air filter looks and consider cleaning out the throttle body. I'm sure someone will post something I missed.

Edited - forgot if you have 4wd grease the front driveshaft.

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1997 Pathfinder XE
Air Lift Air Bags, Warn Hubs

svneo

He said the plugs looked good for how many miles were on the engine. He said the bearings were shot and that it was unsafe to drive. I'm pretty sure I have been driving with the bad bearings for a while. He didn't take them apart yet to see if there is any damage to the spindle or not. He'll check that when he replaces the bearings soon. Any idea how much that might cost? He also said when he flushed the fuel injectors that some carob build up came out? I guess its good that it is gone. If the bearings are as bad as he says, then I hope that replacing them fixes the problem I have of the thumping when going over bumps. That may be a whole different problem.

lewisnc100

My bearings were shot at around 90k, started to hear grinding from the front end. I did everything myself and the parts were $100 or less at any autozone or advanced auto parts (2 inner bearings and races, 2 outer bearings and races, 2 inner grease seals). Pretty easy job if you get the right locknut socket, snap-ring pliers, brass punch and a bearing packer. I'm betting they'll charge you at least 2 hours labor plus the parts. Also both of my spindles were fine since I really didn't have any play, just the start of grooves in the races.

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1997 Pathfinder XE
Air Lift Air Bags, Warn Hubs

svneo

If the bearings are shot, could that be where all the rattling is coming from in the front? Whenever I go over a bump I can feel a lot of movement under the floor, thought it might be struts or some other part of the suspension. Could bad bearings be that noticeable? I just don't have any experience with wheels to know what it would feel like. And I can't remember when it ever felt normal. I'm really hoping that it will fix the problem. I'll probably get them replaced next week, my mechanic works at nissan, and works on my car on the side, so I save a lot of money and he winds up making more. Good deal. Plus it sure is nice to be able to have a mechanic you can trust.

lewisnc100

Anything is possible but I think you're on the right track with the struts, do you still have the original struts? I don't think I've heard of anyone going more than 60-70k with the originals, they really start to leak early.

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1997 Pathfinder XE
Air Lift Air Bags, Warn Hubs

svneo

I'm on my third set of struts. He said they are fine. I need to have him check the conrol arms and ball joints and whatever else is down there that could be worn, he was especially concerned with the bearings and is worried that the wheels are going to overheat. I don't think they are quite that bad, but they need to be replaced regardless. I'm just curious how much play can result from worn out bearings, is it significant enough to feel it over bumps and in the steering wheel? Well I guess I'll find out soon enough. I'll post after they are fixed.