Christina McGuffin (64.80.153.165) - Thu Jun 15 12:57:20 2006

HELP...For about 2 years now I have this problem with my 1996 nissan pathfinder SE(not four wheel drive. when I approach speed of about 50 mph it starts rocking from side to side. Not vibrating but rocking like a sideways rocking chair, I have to let up on the gas and it stopps, I have had everything checked and all shocks and strutts replaced, no mechanic has been able to diagnose the problem as of yet. I took it to where I had last bought tires and they replaced two front tires but that did not change the problem. I am scared to take it to the dealer, can you help?

Reply #1 Quentin Williams (168.11.168.2) - Thu Jun 15 14:26:51 2006

It sound like a nice car but i'm willing to give u about $500 for it. If u like what u see e-mail me back to let me know where i need to come

Reply #2 karla (4.239.96.157) - Fri Jun 16 17:58:57 2006

I have a 1994 pathfinder, with a keyless security system.which doesn;t appear to be working at this time I even bought new 12v battery for the dumb thing. But now my car wont start, and I cant move my shift. Help me .

Reply #3 joel fernandez (63.231.39.175) - Tue Jan 15 22:49:22 2008

MY ignition key wont turn and also got my wheel in lock mode

Reply #4 PathfinderBoy (76.66.22.47) - Sun Apr 20 00:10:45 2008

LOL... haha haaa... I am trying to picture a pathfinder rock left and right when driving on highway? must be hilarious...

1)check that you have same wheels on front or rear or all 4.

Different brands and makes of wheels have different angular momentums, and can cause vibration and wreck transmission because tires are not turning with same speed and weight.

2) Check that Idler arm or Pitman Arm that holds front wheel axles are not broken, these are notorious on all pathfinders.

3) ensure that all tire bolts are tight, sometimes mechanics only tighten with hands only, and forget to use air wrench. Trust me, it happens all too often, bunch of high school kids changing tires .

Reply #5 Mark (60.228.43.53) - Thu May 7 07:46:08 2009

Chris swap your wheels from front to back and see if the problem changes. If that does not change it check things like your tailshaft, unis and gear box mounts although any wear and tear in these usually gives a vibration. Check your panhard rod bushes, and cab mounts. It could also be wear in all your steering components and you only feel it at 50 mph. Also lay under the car and get someone to shake the body as hard as possible and listen and look at everything it might highlight something loose. Good luck

Reply #6 JC rodriguez (96.42.92.139) - Sat May 30 17:26:53 2009

when first starting truck and driving no problem after 2 minets truck begins to back fire and when i excelerate it loses compression and wonts to stall i have replaced fuel filter, gas tank , new plugs and wires, fuel filter, air filter. put fuel injection cleaner in tank and still have same problem.my tack gage fluxuating up and down. please help. i have a 94 nissan pathfinder that loses compression on a hill or when i come to a complete stop the rpms drop to about a half a grand and lower it just fluxs back and forth and when i press the gas it try to die but if i let it roll for a few seconds i can drive til my next stop sign

Reply #7 JC rodriguez (96.42.92.139) - Sat May 30 17:28:11 2009

I need some help, any answers?

Reply #8 George Varga (74.12.186.136) - Sun May 31 06:13:13 2009

2005 pathy vibration after 35mph

Reply #9 curtis (24.18.111.143) - Wed Aug 5 06:43:11 2009

It could very well be bad engine mounts, as well as tranny mounts. That woould be the last resort to check those out. Its not that old of a car and it would be odd for this problem to start but just an idea...u had ur driveshaft checked out?

Reply #10 Boo (66.25.63.218) - Sat Aug 15 04:04:04 2009

The rocking problem is caused by defective bushings on the 4 trailing links on the rear axle. When they have too much play, it allows the rear axle to move fore/aft on each side of the axle when there is near neutral torque on the drive shaft, and that is essentially uncontrolled rear wheel steering, which in turn causes the rocking. And it ain't funny at all when that happens at highway speeds. There's a Nissan service bulletin on the issue:

Classification: RA97-002

Reference: NTB98-001

Date: April 1, 1998

The dealer can fix it by replacing either all of the trailing link assemblies or just the bushings, or you can do it yourself if you're mechanically inclined.

I included a link for another site in the header for other posts on this issue, including a description of the DIY fix.

• Pathfinder Bushing Problems

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