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Nissan Pathfinder Maintenance and Repair

2763 messages,  Last post on Mar 31, 2013 at 11:07 AM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Pathfinder, SUV

Messages Page 205 of 277

#2039 of 2763 2005 Pathfinder Front End Vibration Problem by makitright

Jun 27, 2006 (10:33 am)

I have a 2005 SE, with 25,000 miles on it (about 45,000 KM), I've had it for 20 months. When driving on the highway and I hit 75 mph (120 km/hr) it suddenly feels like the front end of the truck is driving on winter tires (studded tires). When I hit 85 mph (about 140 km/hr) it feels like I'm driving on loose gravel - the vibration is that bad. This is on dry, smooth, newly laid down highway asphalt.
 
I have had the wheels aligned and balanced twice in the last 2 weeks by Nissan to correct the problem, but the vibration has not gone away. Nissan tells me that my OEM BF Goodrich tires are damaged and have become "notched" due to the condition of the roads, and that they will need to be replaced to eliminate the problem. These are 16" SUV tires with only 25,000 miles on them! Tires that have never been off pavement for more than 4 seconds...and...heck...this thing is an SUV, it can take a few potholes can't it?
 
I haven't started to bitch and moan yet to Nissan - but I'm aiming to soon. I wanted to get some of the 2005 owner feedback before if I could. You may want to get out on the highway and open up the throttle and see if you feel any difference once you get past 75 mpg. Nissan did have some big issues in 2003/04 with front end suspensions for a number of their models. Let me know what you come up with - this may effect your Pathfinder down the road.
 
The long-term test Pathfinder that PBS's Motorweek had also had this exact trouble with vibration - check out their review at http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/longterm/pathfinder05.shtml

#2040 of 2763 Re: 2005 Pathfinder Front End Vibration Problem [makitright] by shark715

Jun 27, 2006 (11:03 am)

Replying to: makitright (Jun 27, 2006 10:33 am)
The difference is that it sounds like Motorweek was able to correct the problem by re-balancing the tires and wheels, but your dealer was not successful. I have an '01 PF and there is a well documented problem with wheel/tire balance on that model year (as I recall the same issue afflicted '02 models also). The only way to properly balance the wheels and tires on my truck is to use a Hunter GSP9700 Road Force Balancing Machine, and the operator has to be patient, apparently the wheels/tires on my truck (stock, not aftermarket) are very difficult to correctly balance. Perhaps this might solve your issue, too. To find a garage or dealer with a GSP9700 machine, go to gsp9700.com, and click on "locate a gsp9700". Please take the time to let us know how you are able to have the issue with your truck corrected.

#2041 of 2763 Re: 2005 Pathfinder Front End Vibration Problem [shark715] by makitright

Jun 27, 2006 (11:39 am)

Replying to: shark715 (Jun 27, 2006 11:03 am)
Shark715 - Thanks for the quick reply. I am trying to get in touch with Motorweek to see if in fact if they have solved their problem. Reading their review, your are left to assume that it is solved because they don't mention it again after they balance the wheels. In fact, with me, the problem got worse after the first balancing and wheel alignment. Initially, the vibration only kicked in at 85 mph, now like clock work, it's there at 75 mph. I will search out for your recommended equipment, hopefully at dealer/warranty coverage. Thanks again.

#2042 of 2763 Re: 2005 Pathfinder Front End Vibration Problem [shark715] by makitright

Jun 27, 2006 (11:49 am)

Replying to: shark715 (Jun 27, 2006 11:03 am)
Sorry, me again. What are your thoughts on original BF Goodrich's needing to be replaced after 25,000 miles? I know you can't see them, but honestly these things look brand new. They have 80% to 85% wear remaining and have no visable sign of any damage across the tread whatsoever. I know Goodrich is not the top of the line tire but is Nissan trying to pass the buck to this tire manufacturer?

#2043 of 2763 Re: 97 Pathfinder wont start [pwlong19] by pwlong19

Jun 27, 2006 (4:14 pm)

Replying to: pwlong19 (Jun 18, 2006 12:43 pm)
I talked to a mechanic at the local Nissan dealer and he said it might be the starter. He said a simple test was to whack the starter with something like a broom handle the next time it wont start. Ive tried it once and it worked! Im waiting for the next time it happens to be sure before I go out and buy another starter($150+). FYI

#2044 of 2763 Re: 97 Pathfinder wont start [pwlong19] by pwlong19

Jun 28, 2006 (2:38 pm)

Replying to: pwlong19 (Jun 18, 2006 12:43 pm)
Second time now that the car wouldn't start and I banged on the starter, took three times, but it started. I'll be installing a new starter soon and I'll repost if the problem doesn't go away.

#2045 of 2763 2001 PF 4WD Master Widow Control Switch by jack0565

Jun 29, 2006 (11:23 am)

Hi all
I'm having problems with controlling my rear windows from my drivers side control switch. I'm sure it's the switch becuase I could reach to the rear and move them. Can someone tell me the best way to remove the control switch. I've ordered a new unit ot replace it. Thanks in advance.

#2046 of 2763 Re: 2001 PF 4WD Master Widow Control Switch [jack0565] by shark715

Jun 29, 2006 (12:01 pm)

Replying to: jack0565 (Jun 29, 2006 11:23 am)
I don't know the answer to you question, but if the problem was the the master switch would it not also affect your ability to operate the front passenger side window too?

#2047 of 2763 Re: 2001 PF 4WD Master Widow Control Switch [shark715] by jack0565

Jun 29, 2006 (2:17 pm)

Replying to: shark715 (Jun 29, 2006 12:01 pm)
I don't think so. I think the whole unit consists of separate relays for different functions. I'm just changing the whole unit because I have one on hand.

#2048 of 2763 Windows go up & down very slow by eddie97

Jun 29, 2006 (6:49 pm)

I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE , all 4 of my windows go up and down very slow , took it to the dealer and they said is was the cold , so low and behold it's summer now 90' degree plus and i'm still having the same problem . So before i spend a couple hundred to get this fixed , is their anyone that can tell me if they had this problem & how did they get it fixed. PLEASE HELP !!!

Messages Page 205 of 277

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