mukundan

Hello people,
I have this extra-ordinary feeling that my Maxima has become too smooth for this time of the year (Iowa weather). I am worried if this is a precursor to something major with my steering or something.

I will link my previous two posts 1. about a Grinding noise when I turn in parking lots http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=352745
2. a minor rear-ending incident http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=357124 .

Do you guys/gals see some pattern here? What self inspection I can do so that I can wait till my upcoming 90K inspection? Thanks in advance.

-MM

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

This is a 13 yr. old car you have. Chances are the suspension parts{tie rods,ball joints,control arm bushings,etc} do need to be atleast inspected, if not replaced.

I know half of my suspension needs to be replaced....Not enough$$$$$$

mukundan

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to diagnose the cause of rough idling and reduced power for my 91 Maxima. Now, my question is how to reach to the ECU? Can anyone explain it step-by-step?

Very much appreciate your help.

Thanks
-MM
(Btw, I cannot create new threads and hence this modification of old thread)

goon9

iTrader: (13)

It would be easier for me to mail you a cookie. Look at the stickies.

Wiking

Nonoo: Jump by jumP ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

mukundan

Could you please give me a link to the sticky?

mukundan

I took my car for a 90K service and they fixed the steering issue -- they lubricated the steering column. Yes, now I find it nice and smooth and steady!

Thanks for all your opinions guys!

-MM

mukundan

Does anyone know who can post new threads in these forums? At present I am not able to post new threads. What are the criteria to be eligible for new posts?

Phatsta

First of all don't hijack threads.
It'd be easier to pm a moderator and ask.

Read this:
http://forums.maxima.org/announcement.php?f=11

Phatsta

My question is somewhat of the same kind. I have replaced almost all my suspension parts except springs and shocks (113k on the car). I have never felt this before (kind of obvious though) but since I changed wheels to a lot wider (225/50/16) I'm having a hard time crusing around. I'll have to almost fight the car for the steering wheel coz it keeps wanting to follow any trace in the road... if you understand me.

This is of course bound to happen with that much larger wheels, but my question is; Can you make the steering any harder so it won't be as sensitive to traces in the road?

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

That sounds like bad control arm bushings to me.

Phatsta

You think so?

Damn... they have to be ordered from the U.S... my wallet is

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

actually it sounds normal.
when you increase tire width it tends to follow the ruts more.

Phatsta

Yeah so I've heard... maybe a combination of both? Of course I didn't feel it before I changed wheels...

So there is no way of hardening steering a little bit so it won't be as sensitive to ruts?

Wiking

Oh whu did u destroy that fiat uno? It had 145 wide tires - no problems... Take belt off, fill with smtg else than A/T fluid. tHeres a DIYThule solution that helps a little; 5kronor:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=418687


Bushings can be bought under name of Bluebird, med kronor.

Phatsta

Of course... forgot to look for the Bluebird, thanks for the reminder

That sway bar... I thought it was suppose to be bolted onto the 'spring bolts' or what it is called..? Does it work to just bolt them to the chassis like you did?

Wiking

Dunno about the facts. Feelin is that chassis is now more rigid, u could lift my car from that DIYThule. Check out hows kcdmil's bar:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/842139/5

Phatsta

Nice. I'm considering making my own sway bar... the top one is pretty straight so it can't be that difficult...

Btw, there are no bushings available for the Bluebird here either
It's not that important at the moment anyway. I took it apart and pushed and pulled the control arms today and could find no gap or anything loose. It's probably as Brian says... just wider tires are more sensitive to ruts.

I'll try your idea Wiking. Change to a thicker oil, maybe that'll help a bit... hope the pump can take it though.

Wiking

Sway bar, all straight, weld two washers in ends, very low angle: 45min. Local 'IKEA', old Thule...

Hey make sure u know what stuff u will use. I dont know, only A/T fluid is rec.
- Could u find smaller diameter pump wheel?
- Bleed bypass, maybe valve closes it when idle?
- First take belt off to tst to feel how u like it...

Why max wants to go wherever: Broad tires, grooved road. Toe in adj NG.