Severe Side-to-Side Rocking on '97 Nissan Pathfinder

[suttles95]

I just bought a '97 Nissan Pathfinder and am having problems with it rocking side-to-side, especially after hitting a bump or a gust of wind, and especially at higher speeds.

I had both front axles replaced because they were cracked as well as the front stabilizer bushing.

One mechanic suggested it could need a front end alignment, and yet another suggested that it could be the rear arm control arm bushings and/or the struts.

Any suggestions?

[denisb]

Originally Posted by suttles95

another suggested that it could be the rear arm control arm bushings

Ding, Ding, Ding, give the mechanic a "Path" on the back! (pardon the pun)

I'm willing to bet a case of Coors light...and those who know me know I don't part with my Coors light easily...that the rear control arm bushings are your problem. I bet that on the highway when you accelerate the rear has a small pull to one side and then returns to the other when you let off.

These are notoriously familiar for this issue.

Denis

[altimaracer]

yes the notorious side to side,(quite embarrasing) it gets real interesting when it starts to happen...sometimes if u let it go long enough it feels like the car will flip over on its side i found the best way to deal with this is hold the steering wheel to a certain angle...to counteract it...or at least untill to u get that fixed...and another problem, that will make it do this is, worn or blown struts and or your tires are worn down on the edges but if u hear that clunking sound from the rear axle its those control arms...Peace