Lets get my roadworthy sorted.
Nissan Patrol Roadworthy Inspection in Brisbane - What to Check
I inspected this Nissan Patrol GU in Carina today. Before I could start, the owner asked whether he needed to fit the rear seats back in. He’d removed them for extra cargo space. The answer is yes – all seats must be fitted during the inspection. The seating capacity needs to match the compliance plate, and I need to check the seat belts at every seating position.
If you want to permanently remove seats, you need an LK1 modification plate to certify the changed seating capacity. I can issue these for $250. But for the roadworthy, the seats need to be in. This owner had the seats in the garage and fitted them before I started. The Patrol passed.
Common Nissan Patrol fail points
The Patrol is a tough 4WD that handles hard use well, but they develop specific issues over time – especially GU models that have been used for towing, off-road work, or both.
Oil leaks. This is the most common Patrol issue I see. Engine oil leaks from rocker cover gaskets, rear main seals, and various other points on the engine. Patrols are known for it. A slight oil film on the engine is acceptable, but active drips onto the ground, exhaust, or brakes fail every time. If your Patrol has a known leak, fix it before you book the inspection.
Worn steering linkage. The GU Patrol has a conventional steering system with multiple linkage components – drag links, tie rod ends, and an idler arm. These wear over time, especially on Patrols that have been used off-road. Worn steering components cause play in the steering wheel – if I can turn the wheel without the front wheels responding, the linkage has excessive wear and it fails. You might notice vague steering on the highway or a clunking noise when turning at low speed.
CV boots. On Patrol models with CV shafts, split CV boots are a common fail point. The rubber deteriorates from age, heat, and off-road use. Check underneath near the front wheels for grease spray – that’s the sign a boot has split.
Tyres. Patrols are heavy vehicles and owners often fit aggressive off-road tyres. Tyres must have at least 1.5mm tread across the full contact surface. Off-road tyres can wear unevenly if the vehicle is used mostly on road, so check the full tyre, not just the outer edge.
Seats must be fitted for the inspection
This catches Patrol owners off guard more often than you’d expect. Many 4WD owners remove the rear seats to create more cargo space, especially if the vehicle is used for work or camping trips. That’s fine for everyday use, but for a roadworthy inspection, all seats must be in the vehicle.
I need to check the seat belts at every seating position. I need to verify the seating capacity matches the compliance plate. If seats are missing and there’s no modification plate certifying the change, the vehicle fails.
If you’ve removed seats, either refit them before the inspection or contact me about an LK1 modification plate to make the change official.
Patrols are built tough - but not invincible
The Nissan Patrol has a well-earned reputation for reliability and durability. They handle outback roads, heavy towing, and years of hard use better than most vehicles on the road. But that toughness can work against owners during a roadworthy, because people assume the Patrol will pass no matter what.
An oil leak is still an oil leak. Worn steering is still worn steering. The same rules that apply to a brand new hatchback apply to a 20-year-old Patrol. The vehicle’s reputation doesn’t exempt it from the inspection standards.
Check the oil leaks, test the steering for play, look at the CV boots, and make sure the seats are fitted. Sort those out and your Patrol will most likely pass.
