Wheels Lock on Turns

[xterri]

Is this an Xterra occurance, or other trucks as well?

Whenever I turn the wheel all the way to the right or left while driving and then let go of my hands, the wheels don't automatically turn to neutral position (straight)! This basically allows me to do hands-free donuts round and round and round.

Is this normal with Xterra? or other trucks? I've driven other SUV's but have not come across this occurance.

Thanks.

[evergreen]

its not full power steering, its power "assist" steering. your wheels shouldn't stay locked in a turn if you take your hands off the wheel, they should slowly move back to a straight position. strange....

[warmonger]

Your question is a little vague. Is your X new or is it an older model? On what type of surface does this occur? If it is happening on paved roads, how does the vehicle handle when the wheel is released when driving straight? Usually this occurs as a result of an improper alignment. But it almost always occurs in sand. That is something that concerns me when you said "...do donuts...". Usually that means someone is horsing around in sand. In that case, the force of the sand will maintain the turn unless you manually straighten them up. A little more info would go a long way towards our giving you some help.

[Schludwiller]

To me it sounded like they were saying the steering wheel does not return from a full locked position without their hands doing it.

But I guess we'll have to wait for clarification.

[xterri]

Thank you for trying to assist me, as I got no help from the dealer (no suprise!)

My Xterra is a brand new 2003 2x2.

The lockup occurs on pavement. If I don't force the wheel back to straight position, it will remain in a turn, hence the continuous "donuts". And, believe me, so far I've tried 10 donuts, and stopped because I got disoriented.

Will try it on sand this weekend hopefully.

Any help?

Thanks.

[Schludwiller]

Hmmm....Pitman arm or idler arm is too tight on the centerlink? Happened to me when I didn't have torque spec's on my new steering system.

After that it's somewhere up the steering system chain.