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[video]http://s26.photobucket.com/user/TwoGunzUp/media/WP_20130902_183511Z_zps83dd6f1d.mp4.html[/video]Hello everyone, I’m Pat. New to the forum but have been an etcg subscriber since 2009.
I have a 2002 Infiniti QX4 (nissan pathfinder) 4WD. It has 200,000km. I recently had a minor accident which involved the front left tire smashing into a utility pole hard enough to bend the lower control arm back significantly. Nothing else appeared damaged and the truck drove fine for a couple weeks after replacing the control arm. I’m not sure if this is related to the issue that I’m having now, but thought I’d include it anyway.I’m experiencing a bad knocking from the front end over rough roads, at low and high speeds, and its even worse when cornering unless I take it really easy. If I rock the wheel with the tires on the ground I can hear a knocking from the rack and pinion. There is no movement of the actual rack however. I pulled back the boots on the inner tie rods and can see no play at all in them when rocking the steering wheel but the noise persists. I would describe it as a knocking or popping noise that seems to be coming from inside the rack. When driving the noise is actually similar to what bad sway bar end links sound like. I removed the front sway bar to confirm this was not the issue.
I believe it’s possible that the rack has suffered internal failure, But I do not know how to confirm this. The steering feels totally normal in every way except the knocking sound.
I’ve included a video of the sound while rocking the wheel. I’m sorry the video is dark and you can’t see much.[video width=550 height=309 type=youtube]0LMnnRTmplI[/video]
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Have someone move the wheel while you listen at the top of the strut, may have damaged the strut bearing.
I just went out and tried that and it seems like you may be right. when I was feeling around the strut mount while rocking the wheel the top nut spun when I touched it! if that nut was backing itself off that would explain the noise progressively getting worse. I will try tightening it down and if that doesnt do it I will have to disassemble the strut assembly. Thanks! I am very relieved that it could be as minor and cheap as a strut bearing.
You may have found the problem based on your description but know that the upper strut may pivot when the wheel is turned by design. You might compare it to the other side to see if it does the same thing. If you suspect that it’s just the nut that’s loose, tighten it and recheck for the problem. In addition, internal power steering rack damage is VERY common after a collision so if your upper strut theory doesn’t pan out you might turn your attention back to the PS rack.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
Tightening down the strut top nut eliminated the knocking over every bump while driving, but the knock in the video is still there. I don’t think it’s the strut mount/bearing. It really seems to be coming from either the steering transfer gears or the rack. I saw some side to side movement in the linkage right where it comes past the firewall that looks promising, Here’s a video of the movement what do you think?
[video width=550 height=309 type=youtube]XClDc3I1Kv8[/video]
see if this helps you.
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/2002_Pathfinder/st.pdf
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