Worn Steering Parts

[ryanc]

91 Pathfinder XE 4x4. I cranked up my torsion bars and did the JGC springs in the rear got some new wheels and tires and took the truck to a buddy of mine to get aligned. He fixed my caster/camber but when I got to the shop to pick it up, he jacked up the drivers side front wheel and showed me how much toe in/toe out movement I had, it was kinda scary lol.

 

So I have some steering parts to replace. I plan on at least starting with doing the tie rods and the track bar (I think thats what its called) that goes between the tie rods. You guys think that will get me going in the right direction? Is there anywhere that sells these items as a kit? Where can I find a new track bar?

 

Thanks in advance!

[5523Pathfinder]

It sounds like you have a worn centerlink. It's a very common failure. Feel free to use the search function to find more threads on center link failures. There are several ways of dealing with this issue. These are in no specific order.

 

1. Factory center link from Nissan or other parts manufacturer(ie: Moog).

 

This is the easiest way to go if you don't wheel and don't want to improve much on the overall system. I personally went through 2 factory center links rather quickly going off road. Its just not the greatest design for off road use.

 

2. GrassRoots4x4 Centerlink http://www.grassroots4x4.com/index.php?

 

I installed one of these and its been great. Tightened up my steering and reduced bumpsteer and understeer. Not much more money than a factory center link, but does require drilling out the idler and pitman arms to accept the bolts that hold it together. I also installed new Moog Problem solver inner and outer tie rod ends which are slightly larger than stock.

 

3. Calmini Steering System https://www.calmini.com/detail.php?b=1&m=3&t=10&p=622&n=

 

I have driven several rigs with this setup and its not too bad. The system is quiet spendy, but it replaces everything and its rebuildable with parts from Calmini.

 

4. 2 Wheel drive steeing conversion

 

I have not driven or worked on a rig with this setup. It involves complete removal of the 4wd steering system and you install a complete 2wd system. A few others have tried it and maybe they will ring in for difficulty and cost. Again, try the search function to search for more threads about this.

 

 

Hope this answers some of your question!

 

Here is a link to my build page about the steering. See post #29.

http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/topic/17128-5523pathfinders-1995-pathfinder/page-2

Edited May 17, 2015 by 5523Pathfinder

[5523Pathfinder]

Oh, a Idler arm brace is also recommended. You can make one or buy one from several places including 4x4parts.com

 

http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981134-pathfinder-steering-enhancement-package.html

Thats for a brace and stabilizer

 

http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981130-pathfinder-idler-arm-brace.html

Thats for just the brace

Edited May 17, 2015 by 5523Pathfinder

[Precise1]

^nailed it to the wall!!

 

If it is up in the air and there is that much movement, usually it isn't hard to see which components are the worst, just to give a place to start.

I have also wasted my time playing hunt-a-part, so sometimes just replacing the majority is worth it. It comes down to the vehicle condition, how long you plan to keep it, if it is the DD, what is worth more (time/money), etc.

The good news is that this front end isn't very hard to work on so piece meal is possible...

 

B

[ryanc]

You certainly nailed it with all that info! Thank you. I ended up with new inner and outers and sleeves as well as a new center link to start with. As it is a DD that sees some occasional trails.