I have an '02 Xterra 6 cyl 4x4 which has recently developed a strange noise when turning. It is not constant, but most of the time. It is most noticeable driving making turns (not necessarily sharp turns--either to the right or left. While stopped, I can turn the wheel all the way either way and experience a "snap" noise that seems to be coming from around the front driver's side tire. I imagine it can be any number of things, but wanted to see if anyone has experiencecd this before.

I am due for a front-end alignment as the wheel shakes a bit at freeway speeds and I have unusual wear on the front passenger tire...perhaps the 2 are related. Either way I am going to have the shop look into it this week, but wanted to get some input first. Thank you!

Oh yes. The two problems you mentioned are related!

What you've probably got is a blown ball-joint in the LCA, which you would notice if the vehicle squeaks a lot when going over bumps.

And you've likely blown a tie-rod end, either the outer or inner or both. If the ball is worn it will make some interesting noises when it rotates in the socket.

Jack the truck up and push the tire. Side to side movement is the tie-rod. Up and down movement is the ball joint.

It's not a big deal - except for that LCA ball-joint. It usually means replacing the LCA, unless you can convince someone it's the same a Frontier LCA, and then they just replace the ball. It's a PITA job, though.

Scott

Thank you for the reply! Yes, I have noticed a bit of unusal squeeking when I go over speed bumps as well. What would be a fair price for this service replacement if you could give me a rough estimate. Thanks!

Good question. I'm in Canada, so the price I give you would be different than what you might get (if you're State side.) And you'll likely have other work done at the same time, like a brake service.

I did the LCA not long ago. It cost me $250 or so for the parts. And about another $250 or so for the labour. They have to cut the old LCA off, redo your torsion bars, brakes...

The tie-rods I did on my own (easy.) A whole tie-rod assembly from Nissan is about $100. So if you had them do it just add another $100 or so for their labour (that's what it is in Canada - just double the cost of the parts and you have your labour number.)

Add an alignment. And you're done. It seems like a lot of $, but you are basically rebuilding the front end of your truck.

Scott

Cool, thank you for the heads-up. That is a bit steep, but obviously necessary... I also need the dreaded timing belt replacement soon, so I better be ready to cough it up. Thanks!

Just a follow up for those curious...Turned out to be a few things...1) the center linkage was shot so needed a replacement...2) the "snapping" noise was a result the chassis needing to be be re-torqued 3) alignment performed, tires roated... Damage: $500

The centre link is a known weak spot for the X. The ball wears out - and causes the same problem as if the tie rod was gone. It's nice that the steering is known to be a bit fragile, eh?

The chassis needed re-torquing? Or the t-bars? Probably sagged a bit over time, and needed to be torqued up. Truck sitting a little better now? I'm surprised the t-bars made some kind of snapping noise, though.

EDIT: In my daze I completely read this wrong - they torqued the front cross member thingy... I think mine needs to be done, too.

At least she's done now. Thanks for the up-date. It's kind of fun to see how close the diagnostic was on-line, seeing as we can't see or hear the truck...

Scott

It's like she's brand new now Thank you for your time and input!

I'm also in Canada. I bought just the balljoint from Auto Parts Plus . I did not even have to pretend it was for a Frontier, they had the same part listed for the Xterra. I also called the stealership and they told me I could not get a balljoint for a Frontier, it needed the LCA with it. I got the part for 90$ tax included.

It took 2 hours at the Chrysler Dealership to replace it, but my friend is the service writer so I only paid for 1 hour. He said the mechanic had a bitch of a time to take the old one out. Grinding the welds off was easy, but it was removing the nut after 6 years of rust. Once the not removed, a small tap removed it and the new one just slipped in place.

Yeah - you don't have to pretend anything at the parts store. I'm not surprised that the part was listed under Xterra. I bet Nissan has the part listed as well... it just happens to come with an LCA and a bunch of other stuff.

I meant when I went to Nissan, they sold me an LCA and told me that the Fronty was different. And I'm really surprised that your stealership did that to the Fronty, as well. Weird.
Anyway - that wasn't the problem here.

Maybe Nissan does the LCA thing 'cause they figure if the ball is shot the whole link is probably buggered - as you mentioned yours was all rusted out, and maybe that little problem with some of them cracking...???

Scott