ryan6351

Have yet to do this, but I have finally done a good inspection of the suspension and steering components. Bushings generally all look good, with no dry rotting. Were probably replaced at some point. Metal elements also good, no excess wear and basically no rust. Ball joints? All completely deflated, several missing grease zerks with just an open hole in the joint, damaged rubber boots, etc. I'll plan to replace all the ball joints, tighten the end link-to-centerlink connections (they're loose around the bushings), and repack my auto locking hubs. The screeching noise when turning left is definitely coming from the brakes - a similar sound happens from the passenger wheel only when reversing, and I could feel the vibration in the brake when I spun it in reverse. Sounds like a retainer clip is rubbing on the rotor. I suspect that's the cause of the issue when turning left, but on the drivers side - something in the brake assembly rubbing intermittently. The sound stops when braking at all, or when turning right (maybe turning that direction flexes the brake line just enough?). Need new rotors and pads anyway so hopefully I find the cause in that project! Will update here with pics once I do the work. Timing belt first....

Thanks again both - I’ll dig around this weekend with the wheels off the ground and see what I find.

Thank you @Slartibartfast and @adamzan - that's all helpful to hear. I didn't know about Rockauto, so I'll start there to search for better quality parts. There isn't much play at all in the steering box, but I do have a persistent pull to the right, and odd clunking when going over a bump while turning (not all the way to the stop). I'll start by doing a good inspection/grease job, and replace at least the strut rod bushings (if not ball joints and other bushings as well), then an alignment. I also noticed that my steering dampener is missing - the bracket for it is on the factory centerlink, but there's just no dampener in place. Would that make a significant difference in handling on-road? Finally, the biggest issue with the front end is a crazy screeching/almost whistling noise I get only while turning the steering wheel left (at all - even just the slightest motion on minor curves). It's silent while turning right. I haven't been able to track down the source of the noise yet, as it only makes it while in motion. Maybe I'll be able to replicate it with the wheels off the ground. I suspect the PS pump (no leaks and fluid is clean) but I don't know enough to positively confirm yet. Fortunately tires were only a couple years and about 5000 miles old when I bought it - Pathfinders of course, ha. They're the factory size and proper load rating, and I've kept them inflated correctly, but I will definitely do a rotation/balance once I get the alignment as well. Thanks again y'all!

Hey all, First time making a "real" post here. I recently acquired a 1991 Pathy with ~58k miles. Everything on the truck is 100% stock and original parts - I'll be doing the timing belt for the first time (!!!) asap as well, and the electronic shocks even still work which is crazy - and while it generally runs great, the suspension and steering bushings are pretty rough, and I suspect the ball joints have dryrotted too. I get a good amount of clunking, squeaking, and generally not a great ride from the front end. I've searched the forums as best I can but can't quite figure this one out. I want to replace the front end steering/suspension components, but many of the pre-93 parts are discontinued/prohibitively expensive. I'll be using it mostly as a daily driver, no real wheeling (just the occasional camping trip). I've found a front end rebuild kit for the 93-95s (https://www.1aauto.com/1993-95-nissan-pathfinder-front-14-piece-steering-and-suspension-kit-trq-psa56136/i/1asfk01145/666772?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxKy5BhBbEiwAYiW--0THb6nQU_a56F2T8K7xGBo18VZ0Hg2wjmXrZX0YOu0g8Zu4kAubfRoCK84QAvD_BwE) at a great price, and I'm wondering if I can use it on my 91. I know that the centerlink is slightly different, but if I'm replacing the tie rod ends at the same time, I think that wouldn't be an issue. Does anyone know if there are any compatibility issues with the tie rod ends, sway bar links, or ball joints between 93 and 91, other than the different centerlink design? Thanks!