Steering has been driving me .....

Naum16 · 10-02-2013, 08:20 AM

Hey guys ive been trying to get to the bottom of this but i just cant happen to. About 3 months ago i had my steering pinion/steering rack replace due to it being cracked (happened in a minor accident). It was replaced and i happen to notice it isnt as stiff as it use to been at lower speeds it tends to bounce around on the road. Feels like im always fighting to keep it straight. At higher speeds and brand new paved roads i dont have this problem. Ive taken it back and was told nothing was wrong with it and its not bump steer. Know im pretty good about cars and not a complete idiot, but it feels like there holding something from me. I know im not an idiot and do notice the smallest differences. any thoughts or ideas, really could use it

kenchan · 10-02-2013, 08:54 AM

tramlining maybe?

Mitco39 · 10-02-2013, 09:00 AM

Have you gotten an alignment since?

onzedge · 10-02-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naum16

Hey guys ive been trying to get to the bottom of this but i just cant happen to. About 3 months ago i had my steering pinion/steering rack replace due to it being cracked (happened in a minor accident). It was replaced and i happen to notice it isnt as stiff as it use to been at lower speeds it tends to bounce around on the road. Feels like im always fighting to keep it straight. At higher speeds and brand new paved roads i dont have this problem. Ive taken it back and was told nothing was wrong with it and its not bump steer. Know im pretty good about cars and not a complete idiot, but it feels like there holding something from me. I know im not an idiot and do notice the smallest differences. any thoughts or ideas, really could use it

I would get a second opinion.

Chuck33079 · 10-02-2013, 09:25 AM

What else got messed up in the accident?

cooltoy · 10-02-2013, 09:39 AM

They probably put in a used part.

Chuck33079 · 10-02-2013, 09:42 AM

Alignment's off, something else is bent, or the steering rack/install is faulty.

Naum16 · 10-02-2013, 10:34 AM

The engine cradle where the steering rack bolts on it cracked off. Yes the alignment is not a problem I've had it checked twice. And the steering rack is a new oem one I called nissan and gave them the part number it mached to the original. What is a timing line, really I'm a rough situation. No one can seem to figure out what is wrong with it. I've had many experienced techs check. Sometimes when I hit an uneven surface or dip on the road the car pulls to that side(at lower speeds) it almost got me into another accident. pretty upset with the poor services now a days , you can't trust anyone. I appreciate the feedback from you guys it's my last chance

Chuck33079 · 10-02-2013, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naum16

The engine cradle where the steering rack bolts on it cracked off. Yes the alignment is not a problem I've had it checked twice. And the steering rack is a new oem one I called nissan and gave them the part number it mached to the original. What is a timing line, really I'm a rough situation. No one can seem to figure out what is wrong with it. I've had many experienced techs check. Sometimes when I hit an uneven surface or dip on the road the car pulls to that side(at lower speeds) it almost got me into another accident. pretty upset with the poor services now a days , you can't trust anyone. I appreciate the feedback from you guys it's my last chance

A hit that hard messed something else up. Go to another shop. And how do you know that the rack is new? Of course it has the same part number, it's the same part.

Naum16 · 10-02-2013, 10:59 AM

It was where the steering rack mounts to the subframe, the bolt that mounts the steering rack didn't have anywhere to mount due to the cracked mount area. I remember taking a look at the steering pinion with new box and packaging next to it. It appeared brand new that I could tell. And even if it was used how could it be acting the way it is. When I drive my altima it goes over bumps and cracks in roads without budging. Sometimes when I come to a stop on a rough enough road my steering slowly turns 180 degrees by its self.

Boss_302 · 10-02-2013, 11:37 AM

Check the lower A frame bushing. If they where damaged the steering will move all over the place. Best yet bring to a good front end shop and have them check it out before dropping money on an alignment

Naum16 · 10-02-2013, 11:47 AM

Where would I locate the bushings and how can I tell there worn out ? Don't really have suspension places near by or they cost way to much money. No one around northwest IN does a honest job. Is it difficult to replace if I have the proper tools or would I have to lift the car overhead. I think it is the bushings because there use to me a werid noise wen I would brake and they told me something about the bushings maybe they are damaged

Chuck33079 · 10-02-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naum16

Where would I locate the bushings and how can I tell there worn out ? Don't really have suspension places near by or they cost way to much money. No one around northwest IN does a honest job. Is it difficult to replace if I have the proper tools or would I have to lift the car overhead. I think it is the bushings because there use to me a werid noise wen I would brake and they told me something about the bushings maybe they are damaged

Take it to someone good and spend the money. It's a safety issue and it doesn't sound like this is something you should DIY.

onzedge · 10-02-2013, 11:51 AM

I suspect control arm bushings -- these are not easy if you have never done them before or if you do not have correct tools.

I would, regardless of cost, get it to a front end shop ASAP and not drive it -- except for to the shop.

Chuck33079 · 10-02-2013, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onzedge

I suspect control arm bushings -- these are not easy if you have never done them before or if you do not have correct tools.

I would, regardless of cost, get it to a front end shop ASAP and not drive it -- except for to the shop.

100% this. And drive gently. Surface roads, not freeway.

10-02-2013, 08:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
Naum16 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: IN Posts: 152 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 13	Steering has been driving me ..... Hey guys ive been trying to get to the bottom of this but i just cant happen to. About 3 months ago i had my steering pinion/steering rack replace due to it being cracked (happened in a minor accident). It was replaced and i happen to notice it isnt as stiff as it use to been at lower speeds it tends to bounce around on the road. Feels like im always fighting to keep it straight. At higher speeds and brand new paved roads i dont have this problem. Ive taken it back and was told nothing was wrong with it and its not bump steer. Know im pretty good about cars and not a complete idiot, but it feels like there holding something from me. I know im not an idiot and do notice the smallest differences. any thoughts or ideas, really could use it

10-02-2013, 08:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	tramlining maybe? onzedge and SouthArk370Z like this.

10-02-2013, 09:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
Mitco39 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada Posts: 2,089 Drives: 40th 370z Rep Power: 132	Have you gotten an alignment since? __________________ 2007 Chevy Duramax - EFILive Tuned By Me 2010 40th W/ Nav - Boosted Performance - UpRev Tuned By Me The Mrs. Ride -2012 335XI N55 BMW - Cobb Tuned By Me, Built by her My Build --> http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...39s-build.html

10-02-2013, 09:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	What else got messed up in the accident? __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

10-02-2013, 09:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	Alignment's off, something else is bent, or the steering rack/install is faulty. Felix 808 likes this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

10-02-2013, 09:39 AM	#6 (permalink)
cooltoy Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Calgary Posts: 13,994 Drives: 14 PW 370Z S/T MT Rep Power: 243722	They probably put in a used part.

10-02-2013, 10:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
Naum16 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: IN Posts: 152 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 13	The engine cradle where the steering rack bolts on it cracked off. Yes the alignment is not a problem I've had it checked twice. And the steering rack is a new oem one I called nissan and gave them the part number it mached to the original. What is a timing line, really I'm a rough situation. No one can seem to figure out what is wrong with it. I've had many experienced techs check. Sometimes when I hit an uneven surface or dip on the road the car pulls to that side(at lower speeds) it almost got me into another accident. pretty upset with the poor services now a days , you can't trust anyone. I appreciate the feedback from you guys it's my last chance

10-02-2013, 10:59 AM	#10 (permalink)
Naum16 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: IN Posts: 152 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 13	It was where the steering rack mounts to the subframe, the bolt that mounts the steering rack didn't have anywhere to mount due to the cracked mount area. I remember taking a look at the steering pinion with new box and packaging next to it. It appeared brand new that I could tell. And even if it was used how could it be acting the way it is. When I drive my altima it goes over bumps and cracks in roads without budging. Sometimes when I come to a stop on a rough enough road my steering slowly turns 180 degrees by its self.

10-02-2013, 11:37 AM	#11 (permalink)
Boss_302 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NY NY Posts: 150 Drives: 11 Nissan 370z S Mt Rep Power: 13	Check the lower A frame bushing. If they where damaged the steering will move all over the place. Best yet bring to a good front end shop and have them check it out before dropping money on an alignment

10-02-2013, 11:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
Naum16 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: IN Posts: 152 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 13	Where would I locate the bushings and how can I tell there worn out ? Don't really have suspension places near by or they cost way to much money. No one around northwest IN does a honest job. Is it difficult to replace if I have the proper tools or would I have to lift the car overhead. I think it is the bushings because there use to me a werid noise wen I would brake and they told me something about the bushings maybe they are damaged

10-02-2013, 11:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
onzedge A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Battle Lake MN Age: 64 Posts: 183,964 Drives: 370Z 240Z Rep Power: 2684737	I suspect control arm bushings -- these are not easy if you have never done them before or if you do not have correct tools. I would, regardless of cost, get it to a front end shop ASAP and not drive it -- except for to the shop. Chuck33079 likes this. __________________ Koni\|Swift\|Michelin\|Motordyne\|Berk\|RJM Performance\|Gates\|SPL\|Motul\|Technafit\|Ate Super Blue\|Hawk Tommy Kaira\|Momo\|Optima\|Hella\|Hotchkis\|Red Line\|ZSpeed\|Stillen\|B&M\|H&R

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