Clunk in patrol in 4WD

Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 26, 2003 at 15:04
ThreadID: 3546 Views:3004 Replies:5 FollowUps:3
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I have a 2000 Nissan Patrol ST coil spring 4.2 Turbo diesel cab/chassis with 65k k's on the clock. Just recently I have noticed a very audible clunk/thud when operating in 4WD, particularly on slippery surfaces. The noise occurs only once every so often on firm dirt i.e. Simpson Desert but every couple of seconds or so on slippery mud. The vehicle is still under warranty but I am wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and/or what the hell it is? A passenger in the vehicle recently suggested it sounded like coming from the front passenger wheel area.I hope someone out there can help.
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Reply By: Wayne - Wednesday, Feb 26, 2003 at 22:04

Wednesday, Feb 26, 2003 at 22:04
I too have a clunk in the front wheel well on the left hand sidein my GQ, but its done around 400K k's. Have been told its a body mount. You'll find that this is common and has been discussed here several times.

Just one possibility.

But now I recall how I got over the problem.....I found that when I changed the suspension (replaced the Kings Springs for the first time in 7 years) and the clunking has gone. I have Koni's and they're still working fine.

Hope this helps you out.

Wayne

AnswerID: 14014

Follow Up By: Truckster - Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 09:13

Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 09:13
There is a rubber bush that goes under the springs, and that can wear out, and also cause a clunk.

yes Body mounts are a regular thing, to the point my local dealer keeps 3 sets in stock.... $260 Cost price. $330ish retail I would guess.
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FollowupID: 8350

Reply By: desert - Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 11:37

Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 11:37
Is that as you are turning or driving straight ahead? In 4wd or 2wd? Loaded or unloaded? Power on or coasting?
AnswerID: 14046

Follow Up By: Peck - Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 13:54

Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 13:54
4Wd only
laden or unladen (doesn't seem to make any difference)
slight power on
turning doesn't seem to make any difference
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FollowupID: 8366

Reply By: desert - Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 16:23

Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 16:23
Like trying to diagnose MS over the phone! Could be several things. I would start with the front left free-wheel hub, remove it, dismantle it and check for correct lubrication grease packing. If it has not been engaging fully, that will be obvious by worn and rounded teeth on the splines.
AnswerID: 14077

Reply By: andy - Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 18:04

Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 18:04
Working on it yourself may void the factory warranty. Just take it back to the dealer and let them get their hands dirty. It may be a common one. Or better still trade up to a Toyota.
AnswerID: 14091

Follow Up By: Diamond - Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 22:02

Thursday, Feb 27, 2003 at 22:02
ill apologize for andy what he meant to say was trade down to a toyota lol
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FollowupID: 8406

Reply By: peck - Friday, Feb 28, 2003 at 18:37

Friday, Feb 28, 2003 at 18:37
I think I found the problem! Went for another spin in the mud and ... hey presto ... no more 4WD! Unlock hubs and noise dissapears so believe splines/cogs in hubs have been vanishing. Anyway Nissan can fix under warranty (if they honour warranty as I don't seem to be having much luck in getting anything done to date). Maybe should have paid the extra 5 grand and got a Toyota, which definitely IS a tougher vehicle. Had a troopy for 10 yrs and although had usual gearbox and body problems they occured a bit later than similar problems with Nissan. Also got better service from Toyota than Nissan.
AnswerID: 14187

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