Symptoms
Wandering, clunks over bumps or play at the wheel. Owners rebuilding tired MQs report worn ball joints throughout.
The fix, step by step
- With the wheels straight, check each steering joint for play while a helper rocks the wheel.
- Split the tapers with a puller or fork, fit the new drag link and set its length to centre the steering box.
- Torque the castle nuts and fit new split pins, then get the alignment checked.
Tools & part numbers
- Ball-joint separator
- torque wrench
- split pins
Where to buy the parts
Leaf-sprung short drag link, Patrol MQPatrolapart ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Nissan Patrol 160 / MQ parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.