Failed ARB shocker??

[Coldcomfort]

Took my GU out for a very short drive yesterday..... Very short because the car was un-drivable. At about 60-70 KPH the steering wheel wanted to shudder out of my hands. I had a look around the front end today. The only thing I could see was the gas reserve on the drivers side ARB shocker lookds to be leaking... I have attached a pic of the suspect one and the other side for comparison. Whats the general thought on this. Could this be the problem??

88488

88489

[mudnut]

Don't like the look of that weeping. Rock that side of the Patrol as violently as possible. If the body stabilises within 1-2 bounces the shocker should be still good. The only other way is to undo the shock and see how easily to moves using as much force as you can manage. It should resist any input you give it. The signs that you described sounds like the start of the dreaded death wobbles.

[PeeBee]

I agree, its not the source of your problem, look at your bushes - all of them. Normal Nissan patrol issue.

[Touses]

The dreaded death wobbles!!!!
Where to start?
A shit shocker is unlikely to cause wobbles, it could well exacerbate same,
Seriously, start with wheel bearings and draglink.
Go from there, has always been my major probs although GQ not GU.

[Plasnart]

What rims are you running CC? If it’s stock GU steelies, start with the basics of the basics first. Those rims love to harbour mud/crud in the 1” groove behind the “spokes”.

(Not GU rim here, but for reference).

88491

[Coldcomfort]

When I first got this it was after being parked for about two weeks. The last time I drove it it was perfect. It could be that the shocker leaked over the two weeks of being parked. All my front end bushing have been replaced about 6 months ago and my front wheel bearings have been replaced about two years ago. There was no build up. It just violently started shaking when I got to about 60kph....

[PeeBee]

What make and ply rating/load rating are your tires? Sitting for 2 weeks may have egg shaped them a little that would work its way out over time I understand. the 60kmhr point may just be rotten luck with all tires cycling at the same time as out of round. Do a check on the web for known out of balance issue with the brand . My cross plies were a bastard for this, and even a set of Kumho Mud Terrains would act up for the first 20klm before settling down.

[mudnut]

Yep, had a set BFG rugged terrains that would do that when cold, after sitting for a while. Eventually replaced the worn out steering damper and that made the shakes barely noticeable until they disappeared around five or ten ks, depending on the temperature.

[Coldcomfort]

Sent the photo to ARB. They just called and said that they would replace the shocker under warranty. It should not have happened given the cost of these things but at least they are standing by their product.

[Hodge]

ARB have been great with a few items I've had to "Warranty" over the years. I'm not surprised they're replacing that for you. However the shocker is NOT your issue considering your symptoms.

Check your tyres mate.
A few years ago, my Patrol had what you describe AND more. Car just felt rough, noisy at various spots on the speedo. And it progressively got worse as time went on. But I had no wobbles. And still doesn't, thank f$%k!
It drove me insane. I checked bearings, bushes, etc... Later on bearings were replaced as well, and still fixed nothing.
Can't remember why, but I rotated the tyres and BINGO!! I had the same issue but was now more to the rear of the car. That's where I clicked, front left went to rear right during rotation.
I took the suspect tyre off and slapped on the spare and Patrol drove like a dream!!

I'm only assuming that tyre had belt separation.

[Coldcomfort]

Its not the tyres I dont think. The car only gets used every few weeks and has never done this before. Pressures are/were all at 40PSI. The shaking is quite violent. I can actually feel the front wheel bouncing. Its horrible.

Also the tyres are only about 5K klms old.

[mudski]

Its not the tyres I dont think. The car only gets used every few weeks and has never done this before. Pressures are/were all at 40PSI. The shaking is quite violent. I can actually feel the front wheel bouncing. Its horrible.

Also the tyres are only about 5K klms old.

Swap the tyres around and see if the wobble changes sides. Atleast that can be ruled out.

[Coldcomfort]

Just heard from ARB. They have offered to cover the labour cost to have the new shocker fitted. They have also confirmed that the leak is likely to be causing the wobbles. Although there is not alot of oil that has escaped the gas has certainly all gone. Great service.

[Zabelv]

Yeah, that leaking shock definitely looks suspect. A blown shock can absolutely cause the kind of steering issues you're describing. I'd say it's a pretty strong possibility that's your problem.

[Coldcomfort]

ARB have made good on the supply of a new shocker. Its being fitted at the local mechanic tomorrow. ARB are paying him to do it. In the future if I ever need something and ARB can supply it I will definitely put then at the top of my list.

[Hodge]

ARB have made good on the supply of a new shocker. Its being fitted at the local mechanic tomorrow. ARB are paying him to do it. In the future if I ever need something and ARB can supply it I will definitely put then at the top of my list.

Great to hear mate. As my earlier posts, I've had nothing but positives dealing with them.
I "still" stand by what I said, considering the symptoms YOU described. I have big doubts it's the one failed shock absorber. I've driven cars with failed/no shocks and you just get the boat/barge effect when you take off and stop. No shudder or steering wheel nonsense.
And I hope I'm wrong on your behalf.

[Cuppa]

I had an ARB OME shock fail on the rear of our Patrol after only about 5000kms (albeit fairly hard kms). I sent photos & receipts to them & they said they would replace & fit, but as we were up on Cape York, they agreed to send it to me to fit myself, & sent it up from Cairns on the mail plane. They thought the failure was a result of the wheel travel being a bit too much causing the shock to top out ... maybe , maybe not .... but they didn't hesitate to replace it. As it is the one on the other side was fine, & both were still fine when we finally sold the vehicle about ? 10,000kms later. Like Coldcomfort I was surprised but impressed with their after sales service.

[Coldcomfort]

Shocker installed and issue resolved. I'm off to my favourite trout hunting camp in the VIC high country. Happy daze.

[Cremulator]

Shocker installed and issue resolved. I'm off to my favourite trout hunting camp in the VIC high country. Happy daze.Fly fishing? If so, share your adventures! I can live vicariously through you [emoji38]

[Coldcomfort]

Fly in winter when the fish are closer to the surface and lure during the warmer months when they are usually a bit deeper.

[AB's nemisis]

Glad to see your issue resolved. The dreaded death wobbles can be an enigma (bastard) to solve and fix.

[Coldcomfort]

I had the wobbled about 18 months ago. They were a baby compared to when the shocker failed. My wobbles turned out to be front wheel bearings.