Loose steering and feel road through steering wheel - wassup?

[duke777]

Firstly, let me say this site has been amazingly helpful thanks to all.

 

I just bought a 96 Pathfinder with 95k mi - 1 owner and service intervals followed and everything documented. New KRB struts at 78k and i have OME springs and shocks on the way. New link kit too.

 

Bumps in the road can be felt through the steering wheel. Becomes more perceptible once the car warms up Also since this is my first pathy i dont have anything to compare it to, but the steering seems slightly loose.

 

Could this be bushings? Ball joints, bearings or none of the above?

 

CHeers

[GhostPath]

Most likely bad/worn tie rods/tie rod ends, etc., for the vague steering. You probably should look at overhauling your entire steering linkage with that many miles.

 

Bumps on the road could be control arm bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings, or a host of other issues including a simple alignment problem. Have the vehicle's alignment checked and report back.

[88pathoffroad]

I suggest checking out the rack and pinion bushings on the firewall. They are known to go soft and allow movement of the entire rack, creating a loose feel to the steering.