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Sensitive Steering

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Old Dec 17, 2004 | 12:39 PM
  #1  
mukundan's Avatar
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Sensitive Steering

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
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 04:25 PM
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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$$$$$$
Old Jul 14, 2005 | 11:47 AM
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ECU Diagnostics

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)
Old Jul 14, 2005 | 11:50 AM
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It would be easier for me to mail you a cookie. Look at the stickies.
Old Jul 14, 2005 | 11:53 AM
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Originally Posted by mukundan
...how to reach to the ECU? Can anyone explain it step-by-step?...
Nonoo: Jump by jumP ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Old Jul 15, 2005 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by therealgoon9
It would be easier for me to mail you a cookie. Look at the stickies.
Could you please give me a link to the sticky?
Old Jul 22, 2005 | 11:15 AM
  #7  
mukundan's Avatar
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Sensitive steering / Grinding noise

Originally Posted by MyGreenMax94
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$$$$$$
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
Old Jul 22, 2005 | 11:28 AM
  #8  
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Posting rules

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?
Old Jul 22, 2005 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 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?
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
Old Jul 22, 2005 | 12:51 PM
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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?
Old Jul 22, 2005 | 01:05 PM
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From: Tunasea
Originally Posted by 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?

That sounds like bad control arm bushings to me.
Old Jul 22, 2005 | 01:52 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by MyGreenMax94
That sounds like bad control arm bushings to me.
You think so?

Damn... they have to be ordered from the U.S... my wallet is
Old Jul 22, 2005 | 04:16 PM
  #13  
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actually it sounds normal.
when you increase tire width it tends to follow the ruts more.
Old Jul 23, 2005 | 03:08 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
actually it sounds normal.
when you increase tire width it tends to follow the ruts more.
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?
Old Jul 23, 2005 | 03:31 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by Phatsta
...a little bit so it won't be as sensitive to ruts?
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.
Old Jul 23, 2005 | 03:37 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by 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.
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?
Old Jul 23, 2005 | 04:39 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by Phatsta
...Does it work to just bolt them to the chassis like you did?
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
Old Jul 23, 2005 | 08:26 AM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by 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
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.
Old Jul 23, 2005 | 09:32 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Phatsta
...hope the pump can take it though.
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.
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