Nissan Repair: Nissan Terrano 4 wheel drive problem, cv joints, power steering pump

Question
Hi
I have a 2002 model Nissan Terrano manual transmission with 48K Kilometres on the clock. It has been well maintained at regular servicing intervals and no major problems encountered so far.
I often take the Terrano into the desert at weekends (and am pretty careful not to thrash it). On a recent trip however when 4 wheel drive was engaged there is a loud clunking noise coming from the front when the steering is hard locked to the left or right, this does not happen when the car is in normal 2H mode, left/right hard lock can be turned with no noise whatsover.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I live in the middle east and most of the repair shop are complete cowboys.
Many thanks in advance for the help.

Kev


Answer
Kevin,

I would look to see if yours has CV joints or universal joints.  Since you are in the desert the sand really eats bearing surfaces.  If the boot is blown or the universal joints are gone replace them.  If there is a way to grease them I would do that too.  Now, there is another option called the steering stop.  If the vehicle turn stops are set too loose the wheel can turn more that it should and that will cause the clunking noise.  it is like over turning a swivel on a wratchet.  After you go to far the swivel will not work.  That could be causing your problem.  Lastly, never turn the wheel all the way and hold it as it will blow the power steering pump.  Turn it all the way to the stop and let off about an inch.  You can check this out while sitting, with the engine running, turn the wheel all the way and listen to the power steering pump noise and then let off just an inch and the noise goes away.