Nissan Repair: suspension, sway bar bushings, monroe reflex

Question
QUESTION: I have a 98 Pathfinder 4WD, rear shocks replaced 2005, they have 10,000mi on them,Monroe Reflex, struts are OEM, replaced 2002 by Nissan, they have 30,000mi on them. I notice when driving if you hit a dip in the road the truck rocks slightly from side to side, I've pushed down on the front and back of truck, it doesn't rock like the shocks or struts are bad, I see no leaks. Didn't Nissan have a problem with the OEM struts in 98? Any way I can check this problem myself? Thanks, Rich

ANSWER: Rich,

I would not think that the shocks or struts would go out this fast.  That is, unless you drive on some really bad roads.  My first bet would that the anti-sway bar end link is broken or you might even have a body bushing rotting off.  I would put the vehicle on a lift and inspect the anti-sway bar bushings and end links along with all the body attach points to the frame.  Nissan did not really have a problem with the struts but with the bearings at the top where it would make a clicking noise and your steering would catch while turning.

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QUESTION: I just noticed the front left strut boot is split, I see nothing leaking, could this strut be defective, like I stated the struts have 30,000 on them. should this boot be replaced? If the strut is defective can it cause the swaying problem when I hit a slight bump or dip in the road?To me it feels like its coming from the rear the links are tight and the stabilizer is tight too.Front seems the same.

Answer
Rich,

The boot is just to keep dirt off the shaft and is not an indication of a strut going out.  The swaying problem could be from soft struts and if they have not been replaced in many years it could cause the problem.  But, you only have 30K on them so I am still thinking anti-sway bars.