Yet another Steering Vibration Thread….

[OzLapGU]

I am preparing a 2003 Patrol TD42 for a big lap trip which starts in May and am struggling to fix an intermittent vibration through the steering wheel at 100km/hr.

This my first Patrol and I’m annoyed at the prospect of driving 40,000kms with a vibration in the steering. I have read countless internet threads on the subject and now realise it is a very common problem.

With respect to wheels, and suspension the recent maintenance is extensive.


New Genuine Nissan Wheel bearings
New Genuine Nissan Swivel hub bearings
New Genuine Spindle Roller Bearings
Swivel hub bearing shims removed
New Genuine Panhard Bushes
New adjustable draglink
New 2” lifted Springs
New Shocks
New Caster Correction Bushes
New Mickey Thompson 285/75r16’s ATZ P3’s
New ARB Front Air locker and carrier bearings.
Wheel Alignment and balancing at two different workshops
The steering wheel free play is 28mm



Apart from the intermittent vibration the car drives nice and straight and behaves normally. But when the vibration is there it really annoys me as it can be felt through the whole car.

I realise there is little else I can try but I am really hoping someone on this forum can offer up an alternative solution that I haven’t already found on the googleweb.

Thanks in advance, Scott

[Touses]

G'day and welcome to the forum.

First impression of your list is you've been very thorough.
The only questions that rears their heads are.
Are your panhard bushes 2deg offset to compensate for the lift?
Have you fitted adjustable rear upper arms to return the diff pinion angle to the 6-7 deg below parallel?
Mine is a 97 GQ and required both to sort the last of the shakes.

[Tip12345]

find a Mate with some different tyres /wheels just do a little swap . and c what happens .
I put on some mickey Thompsons and the problem started . changed back to BFG all ok .

[OzLapGU]

Thanks for the quick responses



Are your panhard bushes 2deg offset to compensate for the lift?


I've never heard of offset panhard bushes and can't see how that would help. Are you sure you don't mean castor correction bushes?



Have you fitted adjustable rear upper arms to return the diff pinion angle to the 6-7 deg below parallel?


I suppose that is something I could look at but wouldn't have though it necessary with a 50mm lift.


find a Mate with some different tyres /wheels just do a little swap . and c what happens .
I put on some mickey Thompsons and the problem started . changed back to BFG all ok .

I'll have to do that just to eliminate the tyres but sure hope they aren't the problem as between the trailer, patrol and 2 spares I have $3300 invested in 8 new tyres.

[Touses]

Sorry bloke. Quite right castor correction bushes in the leading arms.
Some say required some say not. Fixed mine.