Noise in Front suspension

Vonk
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Noise in Front suspension

Post by Vonk »

Hi, I recently bought a 2006 Nissan Patrol 4.8GRX with low km on the clock. I bought it from a dealer in Heidelberg, but there seems to be problems with the vechicle. The first problem is excessive play on the wheel bearings, the steering column has excessive play, when drive is selected from park in the auto box it makes a loud click sound in the box and differential, if i drive over sharp edges it feels and sounds like somebody is hitting the chassis with a hammer. Is this normal for a vehicle with 85000 km on the clock? Can somebody please tell me if this is normal and perhaps what the causes are? I took the vehicle back to the dealer as there is a month warranty, they have adjusted the wheel bearings and steering box (I have not tested it yest), however they are reluctant to fix the suspension and differential, They say it is normal.

I had the vehicle at McCarthy Nissan in Germiston and they said the prop shaft needs to be replaced. I am urgently looking for expert advice please?

Yours sincerely
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Alex Roux
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Alex Roux »

Hi Vonk

This is not in my view normal for a 4.8 with such low mileage. But will happily hear what others has to say.
My driveshaft has 230,000km and everything is very smooth. But I have a manual box.

If the problem is related to the propshaft, I would first have all the shaft joints greased (front and back on the main shaft as I assume you were in 2x4 mode when the sound happens?)
Then take off the propshaft and massage the universal, after it was being greased to see if it still has full and smooth mobility. If it has, I cannot see how there can be a problem with the propshaft.
However a propshaft, with 85,000 km, that was never been re-greased before (and perhaps had a hard life thus far) may have picked up a niggle that can lead to premature failure.

If you are taking the car to a Nissan dealer, I would recommend Mark White Nissan in Rvionia.
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Alex Roux
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Alex Roux »

Vonk wrote:...if i drive over sharp edges it feels and sounds like somebody is hitting the chassis with a hammer...
Just one more thing:
I don't think you should assume that this knock you hear is necessarily due to the propshaft.
Most Nissan mechanics, with all due respect to them, mostly spend their time servicing Micra's and the like.
The Patrol is a special vehicle with special features. They deal with these issues rarely.
So it could be something else.

If the sale is final and the dealer does not want to be bothered with this, i.e. if you need to sort this out yourself, and you need an expert to look at it, you can try Greame Cummings (Pathmnaker). He is a mechanic based in Centurion and owns a Patrol himself. The Patrol drive trains and chassis have all been the same for the past 20 years, so he should be able to find your problem.

PM me, if you need his details.
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Peter Connan
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Peter Connan »

Vonk, there should be no odd noises when driving over bumps. I think you need to get the whole suspension checked out, particularly the integrity of all the bushes. The problems you describe could almost all be due to knackered suspension bushes.

The play in the steering could also be due to knackered ball joints, particularly on the drag link (the steering arm in front of the axle, from the pitman arm to the hub), the actual steerig box or the rubber joint in the steering column. However, you don't say how bad the problem is. The Patrol is a live-axle 4x4 with an old-fashioned steering box, and all these items have more play/flex than would be found in a normal road car. Thus some steering play which could be excessive in a normal road car could be quite normal.

The clonk when you change gear could again be knackered bushes, or it could be propshaft-related, or it could also be the pre-load in the rear diff's crownwheel and pinion.

What bothers me is that none of these problems should be evident in that new a car, and I think you need to do a thorough examination for crash damage or similar?
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Kagiso II »

wat van los of gebreekte skokbreker?
is die kronkelvere heel?
Don't bring God down to your level of faith ... bring your faith up to His level!
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Vonk »

Pieter and Alex, Thank you very much for the good advise :salute: It all makes sense. My offices are in Centurion so if it is possible can you please get me Greame Cummings contact details, I want to take the vehicle to him as soon as possible.

KagisoII ek het na die skokbrekers en kronkel vere gekyk en hulle is heel. Dankie

I am 'n bit sad because it was my life long dream to own a Patrol, but I am positive that I will get it sorted. Thanx again

Marno
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Alex Roux
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Alex Roux »

Hi Conk

Kagiso II, ons noem hom sommer Oom Mac.
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Alex Roux
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Alex Roux »

Nou maak ek droog.
Sorrie.
Vonk!
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Jorrie »

Vonk wrote: I am 'n bit sad because it was my life long dream to own a Patrol, but I am positive that I will get it sorted. Thanx again

Marno
Once you have ot sorted you woll be a very happy chappie and will not look back. :salute:
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Re: Noise in Front suspension

Post by Vonk »

Dankie Jorrie en Oom Mac WWW
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