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Steering wheel shimmy!

BobbyD

By BobbyD,
in 90-95 WD21 Pathfinders

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BobbyD NPORA Regular

BobbyD

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It is freezing here in NY so next week I am putting my Pathy in the shop for a tune up. I have one problem, the steering wheel shimmys' slightly at low speed(15-30 mph)Just wanted to know if thats' my ball joints, I need tires, or could it just be an alignment? I let go of the wheel and it gradually goes to one side.

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Slick NPORA Old-Timer

Slick

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my first suspicion would be that you lost a wheel weight. Also, what condition are your tires in? Are they wearing evenly? if it pulls to one side and your tires are fine you need an alignment. I would also check "down below" for worn bushings, and just general condition of things.........

 

hope this helps get you started :beer:

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BobbyD
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BobbyD

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my first suspicion would be that you lost a wheel weight. Also, what condition are your tires in? Are they wearing evenly? if it pulls to one side and your tires are fine you need an alignment. I would also check "down below" for worn bushings, and just general condition of things.........

 

hope this helps get you started :beer:

It slowly moves to one side when I let go of the wheel. The tires are wearing pretty even. Since the ball joints, I have heard, wear in these vehicles I would like to know if there is a "do it yourself" test to see if they are alright?

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Slick NPORA Old-Timer

Slick

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sssh i don't know about a DIY test... but my pathy has the same issue (slowy wanders away without adult supervision of the steering wheel) ... i know i need an alignment, i changed my pitman arm last year.. so i am thinkin ball joints/cv's next on hit list.... i do have a couple worn bushings too.. but nothing that would cause any issues at the moment.

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94extreme NPORA Old-Timer

94extreme

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i suspect center link. probably the most common cause for the shimmy on the pathy.

 

bjs--> lift the truck to get one wheel up. then push/pull on the wheeling holding the wheel at 6 and 12. then do the same at 9 and 3. in vertical you shouldn't have any movement. horizontally very little. if there is excessive play look at the CL while doing the pulling.. if it travels significantly then it's shot.

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GrimGreg NPORA Old-Timer

GrimGreg

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Like Slick mentioned a wheel weight, also a bent rim or a broken belt in the tire can cause a shimmy. Rotate the wheels and see if it moves to the rear. I have a nice bend in one of my wheels and it gives you a nice little wiggle at low speed.

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