Just bought a 1996 Pathfinder & have a problem

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oneal47@comcast.net - 19 Feb 2006 00:58 GMT

I bought a 1996 Patherfinder with the 5 speed for my son and I have a
question about its handling. Since buying it I have noticed that the
rear end tends to bounce from side to side more than I would expect. I
knew I had to replace the shocks becasue they were bad so I did and it
still seems to sway more than it should. It feels really wierd. I
know the Pathfinder isn't a car but I have never felt this kind of sway
in any SUV before. Any help out there?

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jim - 19 Feb 2006 01:34 GMT

> I bought a 1996 Patherfinder with the 5 speed for my son and I have a
> question about its handling. Since buying it I have noticed that the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> know the Pathfinder isn't a car but I have never felt this kind of sway
> in any SUV before. Any help out there?

This happened to me with a terrano R3m which i believe is the same
machine. It was positively un-nerving and I was concerned for the safety
of all concerned. The problem is a combination of the road (it happens
at particular places) and the tyres . I changed all the tyres and the
situation improved out of sight. There is still a minor sway at some of
the locations where it happened previously, but not a concern for me. I
changed from Bridgeston A/T to Dunlop road tyres.

jim.

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JimV - 19 Feb 2006 03:33 GMT

>>I bought a 1996 Patherfinder with the 5 speed for my son and I have a
>>question about its handling. Since buying it I have noticed that the
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> jim.

The 96-99 Pathpuppies have a problem with trailing arm bushings when
they get north of 100K. It lets the rear to move around causing the
problem you see. It's easiest to replace the arms with the bushings, but
pricey. The bushings themselves can be changed, but it's not easy and if
you're paying labor probably not cheaper than replacing the arms. Google
(groups) "pathfinder" and "trailing arm bushings". You should see many hits.

-jim

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