Diagnosing steering problems (Nissan Patrol Y60)

Excessive play in the steering wheel

The ball joints of the steering components are worn out or have become loose. Tighten the fasteners or replace the defective components.

The steering mechanism is worn out or its adjustment is impaired. If after adjustment the steering wheel play does not return to normal, it is necessary to carry out a major overhaul of the steering mechanism with replacement of defective components and final adjustment.

The bushings of the transverse reaction rod are worn out. Replace bushings.

The steering knuckle has become loose on the sector shaft. Tighten the fastening nut.



The steering gear assembly mounting bolts have come loose (see accompanying illustration). Tighten the fasteners.

The flexible coupling or cardan joints of the steering shaft are faulty. Replace defective components.

Note: The play in the steering components is most evident when the vehicle is lowered onto its front wheels. Have an assistant turn the steering wheel and visually assess the degree of wear in the steering components. If the play in the steering gear is clearly evident when the vehicle's front wheels are in a straight-ahead position, the adjustment of the mechanism is most likely out of adjustment. If the play does not disappear after adjustment, the steering gear must be removed for major repairs.

The steering wheel is too tight

The tires are inflated too little or unevenly. Check the inflation pressure and adjust if necessary.

The hydraulic fluid level in the power steering system reservoir has dropped. Check the system for signs of leaks, make any necessary repairs and/or replacements. Top up the fluid to the required level.

The steering gear adjustment is out of adjustment. Check and make any necessary adjustments.

The steering shaft is jammed. Find out the cause of jamming, replace defective components.

The steering pump does not provide sufficient pressure. Check the condition and tension of the pump drive belt, as well as the hydraulic fluid level in the power steering reservoir. Replace the pump if necessary.

Note: Check that the tread depth is sufficient and that the tire inflation pressure is correct on both front wheels.

Before you begin checking the steering gear geometry, assess the degree of wear on the front axle components.

A car, when moving in a straight line on a horizontal surface, pulls to one side

Tires are unevenly worn or underinflated. Check the condition and inflation pressure of the tires. If necessary, replace the tires or adjust the pressure.



The front wheel alignment angles are out of adjustment. Check, make adjustments. The front brake mechanisms are "seized". Check the calipers for signs of brake fluid leaks and piston seizure. Replace defective components.

Damaged front suspension components or front chassis beams. Check. Replace defective components.

Note: If the front tires of the vehicle are found to be in satisfactory condition, jack up the front of the vehicle and rotate both front wheels to check for brake drag.

To check the front wheel alignment angles, measure the distances from the center of the front wheel disks to the center of the rear wheel disks on both sides of the car. When the front wheels are in a straight line, the measurement results should match.

There is lateral runout or angular oscillatory motion of the steering wheels, which occurs at low driving speeds (shimmy)

The steering gear mount has become loose. Adjust or overhaul the steering gear.



The steering shock absorber is faulty or its rubber bushings are damaged due to aging of the material. Remove the shock absorber and check its condition (see accompanying illustration). if necessary, replace the rubber bushings.



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Tires are unevenly worn or incorrectly inflated. Check the condition and inflation pressure of the tires. If necessary, replace the tires or adjust the pressure.

The wheels are out of balance. Check, balance.

There is damage to components or a violation of the geometry of the front of the vehicle. Check, make necessary corrections or adjustments to geometric parameters.

The front wheel bearings are worn out or their adjustment is grossly disturbed. Check the condition of the bearings, adjust the preload, or replace the bearings.

The front wheel alignment angles of the vehicle are out of adjustment. Check and make any necessary adjustments.

The ball joints are worn out or have become loose. Check, tighten fasteners, or replace defective components.

Note: Check the condition of the steering components. Raise the front of the vehicle to check and adjust the wheel bearing preload. To check the bearing condition, pull the wheels sideways alternately, grasping them at the top and bottom. There should be no play at all.

There is a loss of vehicle control or directional stability

The front wheel alignment angles are out of adjustment. Check and make adjustments if necessary.

The tread on the front tires is worn out. Check and replace tires if necessary.

Excessive play in the steering drive. Check, replace worn components, adjust the steering mechanism if necessary.

Tire inflation pressure is either too high or too low. Check and adjust pressure.



The preload of the front wheel hub bearings is loose or incorrectly set. Check and make any necessary adjustments.

Excessive play in ball joints. Check and replace defective components. Also check the condition of the ball joint boots.

The power steering is not functioning properly

The steering pump drive belt is broken or its tension adjustment is not correct. Check the condition of the belt (see accompanying illustration), replace or tighten the belt to the required force.

The fluid level in the power steering system reservoir has dropped. Check for fluid leaks, make necessary repairs or replace defective components. Top up the fluid to the required level.

The steering pump does not provide sufficient pressure. Check and replace the pump if necessary.

The power steering assembly is faulty. Remove the assembly and perform a major overhaul.

There are hydraulic fluid leaks

The hydraulic fluid reservoir, steering pump or steering gear is damaged or loose. Check, tighten fasteners, or replace defective components.

Hydraulic hoses are damaged or destroyed as a result of material aging. Check and replace defective hoses.





Carefully check all hydraulic lines of the power steering system for signs of leaks (see accompanying illustration).

There are noises from the power steering mechanism

The steering pump drive belt is damaged or loose. Adjust the belt tension or replace it.

Air has entered the hydraulic system. Bleed the system.

The hoses and tubes of the hydraulic lines are not connected correctly, or their nipple connections are loose. Connect the lines correctly, tighten the fittings.

The steering pump support brackets are displaced or have become loose. Correct the position of the brackets, tighten the fasteners.

Note. Failure to pass hydraulic lines can also cause noise in the steering mechanism. Carefully inspect the hoses and pipes of the lines for kinks and twists.