Symptoms
The steering wheel shakes at about 70–80 km/h (45–50 mph), sometimes again around 110 km/h, and often after hitting a bump. CarsGuide notes early GQs did this from the factory.
The fix, step by step
- Start with the cheap things: tyre balance, wheel bearings and tie-rod ends.
- Then check the panhard-rod bushes and the radius-arm bushes for splits and movement while a helper rocks the steering.
- CarsGuide says the factory fix on early trucks was to remove shims from the top and bottom of the steering knuckles to take out free play, so check kingpin preload.
- Replace anything worn, have the front end aligned, and fit a fresh steering damper last, since a damper hides worn parts rather than fixing them.
Tools & part numbers
- Pry bar
- ball-joint/tie-rod separator
- torque wrench
- a helper on the steering wheel. Alignment afterward.
Where to buy the parts
Genuine Nissan panhard rod bush pair, GQ/GU/MaverickPatrolapart ↗Amazon ↗
Outer tie-rod end pair, GQ 1992–1999HD Automotive ↗Amazon ↗
Dobinsons steering damper SD45-836, GQ Y60Patrolapart ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Nissan Patrol Y60 (GQ) 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.