Tie-rod and steering question

svneo · Apr 23rd, 2004, 07:59 PM

I'm still trying to figure out where the clunking is coming from in the front end of my 97 SE pathfinder. Don't think its the struts, changed the sway bar bushings and the end links. So know, when I'm under there and someone jiggles the steering wheel back and forth, a similar noise seems to come from the tie-rod or steering gear area. I compared the tie-rod feel to my new xterra and they feel much different. Where the rod meets the knuckle on the xterra, its real tight, no movement at all. On the pathfinder it moves a lot. Could this be the problem? Is that just bad tie-rod ends? Could the steering gear be damaged also? About 6 years ago the pathinder was hit in one of the front wheels while it was parked, this problem has been happening for a while and has gotten progressively worse, and no one has been able to fix it. I'm sure the steering gear would be expensive even if I replaced it myself, but tie-rod ends shouldn't be too bad. Any thoughts?

Thanks

aaronford · Apr 23rd, 2004, 08:19 PM

Hey, could be plenty o' things. You did not mention when the problem occurs, so this leaves a lot up in the air. My truck made a clunking sound while turning immediately after an accident. It turned out that the body man decided the steering was too tight and loosened the steering box adjustment. This was accompanied by 4-5 inches of slop in the steering. My coworkers was making a clunk in corners that was related to a loosened bolt on the chassis. If you choose to look into this yourself, remove skid pans and observe steering while someone moves the wheel from right to left. If this fails to locate it, try rocking the truck from side to side to help locate the problem. Basically put, your alignment shop should be able to sort this out upon test drive, if not on description. Make sure that the shop shows you that they can recreate the noise before okaying any money. If not, try another shop.

svneo · Apr 23rd, 2004, 10:16 PM

It happens when I go over bumps. I drive on dirt roads a lot, washboards and holes and mud etc.... It is very noticeable, I can feel it under my feet, as well as in the steering wheel. That makes it very hard to figure it out, as it could be anything having to do with the steering or suspension. I can recreate what I think the clunking is when the car is off and the wheel is turned back and forth which is why I thought it might be the tie-rods or steering gear. My mechanic said the bearings were bad, but I don't think they are causing the problem. The tie rods may just be coincidentally bad and replacing them may not fix the problem. Is it normal for there to be movement in the tie rod ends where they attach to the knuckle? Like I said, the ends on the xterra dont move at all and thats pretty new. Thats why I suspected them in the first place.

aaronford · Apr 24th, 2004, 02:32 AM

I would certainly question tie rods that have obvious free movement. Is this the only place that shows signs of free play? Be sure to check your front brake calipers. If you are feeling it on the floorboard this would indicate loose caliper pin bushings. This is due to the vibration being transmitted through the lower control arm and it's mounting point. BTW, which bearing is he talking about?

svneo · Apr 24th, 2004, 09:58 AM

He was talking about the front wheel bearings. I know they either need to be packed or replaced, but I don't think they are responsible.

aaronford · Apr 24th, 2004, 07:15 PM

Nah, not wheel bearings. Wheel bearings will not cause a clunk, maybe a grinding, but not a clunk. I have heard a newly installed ball joint make a clunk, as the tech forgot to grease it. It sounds more like an idler arm, ball joint, or a tie rod end to me. The best way to tell is to have someone turn the wjeel back and forth while watching the suspected components. Even placing your hand on the suspected joint to feel for the impact will help. Just watch your pinch points.

Werewolfmage · Apr 24th, 2004, 10:03 PM

I have a 95 Nissan. when i turn the wheel about half way to the left or rigfht you hear a poping sound. i suspect the tie rods are going on my truck. tell me if i am right

aaronford · Apr 24th, 2004, 11:01 PM

Tie Rods or Ball joints (advanced). Like I have said before, it is important to find an alignment garage you can trust. A good tech can save you hundreds on repairs.

svneo · Apr 25th, 2004, 05:00 PM

Is it possible that some of the damage may be where the tie rods attach to the steering gear? Would I be able to tell if I took them apart at the steering gear? I'm planning on taking it apart when I have some time. I'm defending my dissertation in only a few weeks, so it will have to wait until that is over. Then I would like to take the tie-rods off and see how they look at the gear. Since I've never done it before, it may take me a while, and I don't have enough time now, and I need the car to be driveable for a while. I imagine at 111k miles, I would be ok to order the tie-rod ends, but if the gear is damaged, that would have to wait. I need to replace the rear springs also, and will get some stiffer ones and order the insulators when I order the tie-rods. I hope the gear is ok, as I think that would be a very expensive part. After all thats fixed, then I'll tackle the wheel bearings, something else I've never done. When I get around to it, I'll take some pictures if I find anything interesting.

svneo · Apr 25th, 2004, 05:02 PM

Also, should I replace the ball joints when I replace the tie rod ends? If one is damaged will it damage the other? Is it worth taking them apart first and trying to figure out if they are damaged?

svneo · Apr 27th, 2004, 10:44 AM

Can someone tell me which parts to order when I order tie-rods. According to the diagram I can find, there is an outer tir-rod, and inner tie-rod that connect the wheel to the steering gear. It also shows a boot connecting the inner and outer-tie rod, I don't think I have one now, so probably don't need it. There is a boot where it connects to the steering gear, but those seem ok and probably don't need to be replaced. Also if the tie-rod end is bad, does that mean the ball-joint is likely to need to be replaced?

Thanks

svneo · Apr 27th, 2004, 10:59 AM

One other question, unrelated. Are strut boots functional or just for looks? I don't have any and I'm going to replace my springs, didn't know if I should get the boots too while I'm in there.

jadcock · Apr 27th, 2004, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svneo

One other question, unrelated. Are strut boots functional or just for looks? I don't have any and I'm going to replace my springs, didn't know if I should get the boots too while I'm in there.

Theoretically, the boot is there to protect the rod from damage or corrosion. It also probably helps keep dust out of the seal. Whether or not they actually work as intended, I'd install any boot that was supposed to be there, because all it can do is help.