Speed Wobbles, pulling left.

[Timbo]

I've been to a couple of mechanics and also Pedders to solve a problem. Wanting to fix the car up all nice in case someone wants to buy.. but even if I keep it, I want it fixed!

Car was tracking beautifully and then I went 4WD'ing last year. Now it's pulling left a bit and has the patrol steering wheel wobbles.

Pedders report says the following;

Leading Arm bushes - Bushes Torn, requires replacement x1
Panhard Rod - Excessive movement x1
Engine Mounts - Need replacing (getting done next week)
Wheel bearings - Bearing play and ball pivots x2
Trailing arms - bushes torn require replacement
Panhard Rod - Bushes soft, recommend replacement

Now, I've had 2 mechanics check through this. Both said, don't worry about the ball pivots. There is only a very slight movement in them and it's not going to give you symtoms of your current problems.
Wheel bearings, slight movement.
Trailing arm, def replace the bushes. Do both, not just one.

What I want to know is, what parts are specifically involved in the car tracking straight and or causing wheel wobbles?

I know the wheel bearings can cause wheel wobbles and I also know the wheel weights on the wheels can cause some wobbles. But as for the rest of it, I can't see how it would cause the car to pull left and shake the wheel at around 80km's.

Any advice appreciated.

Did you have wheel wobbles? Car pulling to the left or right? What was the actual reason??

ps. Pedders bill was over $2,000.

[threedogs]

wheel bearings only need a little movement for the whole lot to wobble and shake under brakes.
You have a fair few things wrong so I would be replacing them all when Funds allow it
, as for pulling to one side check your tyre pressures


Pedders would be at the high end of quotes a lot you could do yourself

[BigRAWesty]

It's a tough call and you can change one thing and solve it, or spend months chassing your tail.

I'd start with bushes. Pull the radius arms out and do radius bushes and chassis bushes.

Then do rod ends if no good.

If the above fails then it's bearings..

Sorry I can't be more precise. But you really can't confidently pick one thing..

I pulled my front end off and did the lot in one hit..
Mine now drives awesomely and with no dampener..

[threedogs]

is awesomely a new word and if so can I use it please LOL

[Timbo]

Cheers guys for the advice. I don't don't think these things were really that tiptop when I bought it. I'll Def start off with your priority list thanks.

[kevin07]

what sort or tyres do you have. have they been rotated properly check them first

[threedogs]

Mine did have the dreaded Nissan 80kph wobble, but was only my wheel bearings.
If you run mud tyres chances are they'll tend to "wobble more than an AT tyre,
Chunks missing etc

[jack]

Hey Timbo,
Do a quick search on Pedders quotes, there is a bit of history there. I'd recommend you get it checked by an independent operator.

[salmon3268]

Cheers I think that's what I have

[Stropp]

yes mine had the shakes, cost 800 to get all the front end bushes replaced, it drives superbly now.

[threedogs]

why take it to Peddars I'd be taking it to a reputable 4x4 shop, they know 4x4s inside out

[Timbo]

I only took mine to Pedders as they are a suspension shop. I liked the full written report and it cost me nothing but the time. The mrs and I just went around the corner to a cafe and had a coffee. Bloke was a patrol owner too.

I don't doubt what they found needed attention but yeah, their prices leave a lot to be desired.

I've booked the car in at my local TJM. The guy there is a real nice bloke and he said it's a real common problem with the Patrols, especially the GU's which I can attest to having owned 2.

My tyres are a bit scrappy, but it's not the tyres. I've swapped wheels and tyres as a test and the problem still remained. It's just one of those things that happen over time. Only takes one little thing to start wearing out a bit and problems arise. Luckily I haven't been offroad for a year to do any more damage. I'm not exactly rolling in money right now to fix these things. Unfortunately though, I'm going to have to hold off on the small panel repair for the moment. Steering is far more important and I know as a buyer, I'd much rather smooth driving that some panel damaged fixed, haha.

[BigRAWesty]

I only took mine to Pedders as they are a suspension shop. I liked the full written report and it cost me nothing but the time. The mrs and I just went around the corner to a cafe and had a coffee. Bloke was a patrol owner too.

I don't doubt what they found needed attention but yeah, their prices leave a lot to be desired.

I've booked the car in at my local TJM. The guy there is a real nice bloke and he said it's a real common problem with the Patrols, especially the GU's which I can attest to having owned 2.

My tyres are a bit scrappy, but it's not the tyres. I've swapped wheels and tyres as a test and the problem still remained. It's just one of those things that happen over time. Only takes one little thing to start wearing out a bit and problems arise. Luckily I haven't been offroad for a year to do any more damage. I'm not exactly rolling in money right now to fix these things. Unfortunately though, I'm going to have to hold off on the small panel repair for the moment. Steering is far more important and I know as a buyer, I'd much rather smooth driving that some panel damaged fixed, haha.

Good move mate. Just get them to do the bushes.
Rod ends are a spanner Job.. Easy as to do yourself, and a simple wheel alignment after and you'll be in top shape.

[GQ TANK]

To check the front wheel bearing / king (swivel) bearing.

Jack onside.
Take a hold of the wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock position - push backwards and forwards - any movement - if so probably wheel bearing
Take a hold of the wheel at the 12 and 6 po'clock position - push backwards and forwards - any movement - if so probably wheel bearing king (swivel) bearing.

Jack the other side a repeat test

I picked up a complete wheel and king bearing kit off Ebay for $200 - including the nut socket


Note: pedders was the only vendor I could find for the front bushes for my old mk

[Robo]

Careful with the pedders caster offset bushes.
they flex so well you may find it still wobbles on rd.
but off rd you gain flex.

personally if I had to do it all over again and may well be doing just that soon.
I'd be going drop boxes or superior arms
m2cw

[mudski]

Careful with the pedders caster offset bushes.
they flex so well you may find it still wobbles on rd.
but off rd you gain flex.

personally if I had to do it all over again and may well be doing just that soon.
I'd be going drop boxes or superior arms
m2cw

Stick with OEM rubber bushes and use drop boxes if your lift is 3inch or over. I have heard too many stories if offset bushes prematurely destroying themselves.

[zak308]

I've got the same issues in my gq. I've discovered that my track rod is bent, causing it to have a lot of toe out. This may help explain the pulling to the left that you have. Just have a good look at your track rod.