I searched on this a little and couldn't really find any good answer, and that may be due to the fact that SO much could be causing my problem.

My ride has had a number of suspension/steering/[anything else in that general area] problems since I've owned it. But, I'm all about having fun in turns, so it's always a good excuse to upgrade.

First problem was the struts that of course went out after lowering without changing the struts. Fixed that then had a problem with the end link bushings. Fixed that (VERY simple). Next, I had a CV joint go out. The boot was bad on the other side as well, so I replaced them around the same time frame. Next, the upper strut mount bushing on the driver's side went to hell, so I replaced that. A while later, I started getting some really bad alignment issues and majorly horrible vibration in the steering. New tires helped, but only temporarily until they wore funky. Took it to an alignment shop and it was the inner tie rods. Boy were they shot! Fixed those and most of my ride returned to normal.

Then I started getting this light vibration (the point of this post). First thought was wheel hub, but I'm no expert. It got worse over time (not too short, but wasn't long) and I talked to a buddy that's a lead Nissan tech for a local dealer. Turned out I had the ol "cadillac bounce." My struts were bad again (blues.. ), but was probably due to all the previous suspension problems. Replaced those very recently and 90% of the vibration is gone. He told me if you lift the car and can move the wheel side to side without the suspension turning it's tie rods and if you can move it up and down, it's wheel hub. Well, I haven't tried again in a while and I can't do either, so I'm kinda stumped.

I read Zack342's thread about end links and thought maybe that, but I'm not sure. The ride is a 95 with 173k on it, so I'm sure there are a bushing or two in need of replacing. I've also had power steering pump problems from hell and can't seem to get it installed so that it won't leak (it's depressing).

The vibration is usually at low speeds and goes away until I hit a bump (especially if that bump is during a curve in the road). It's not totally noticeable in the car, but you surely can feel it in the steering wheel.

I've dealt with so many problems up front, I've lost all troubleshooting abilities. All help and ideas are GREATLY appreciated.

PS. Sorry for the long read.

 

pathetic bumpage

 

I would greatly appreciate any help anyone can give...

 

Wow, I think your car is about to blow up next. I doubt your problem has anything to do with having your tires balanced....thats just my overall opinion on the matter.

 

i also was in the same boat... i changed everything and it didnt help any.. last week i went to midass and they told me the wheel bearings are shot...
went home checked it out and they were right so im waiting to fix that also

 

Yea, it's been a crazy last couple months and I haven't had the chance to give my baby the attention she needs. I'll lift her up when I get a chance and see if it's the wheel bearing. That's where my thought has been..

and yea, my baby's hurtin... EGR solenoid CEL just went off a couple days ago.

 

could be ur caster alligment and fix ur suspension pretty much

 

Aren't 4th gen Maxie's known for having a vibration that's not correctable after age? I think I read this on the org somewhere. I think the person called it a shimmy. That's why I gave up on my problem.

 

I get a vibrartion in the steering wheel as well, except mine are after I exceed about 100kmh (60mph). I've had it looked at several times, and no problem found yet. 3rd set of rotors, 2 sets of rim/tires, tie rod ends replaced, stabalizer links replaced, I dunno what to check next??? I'm willing to try anything now.

 

I have the same problem on my 1997 Maxima. I have 122,000 miles on it and it has always had a steering vibration. However, you are the first person that has actually described what I have been experiencing recently. I hit a bump and the steering starts to vibrate a lot and then subsides until I hit the next bump or dip in the road. I am going to start by replacing my springs and struts (front and back) and see if this improves the problem.

 

Springs/Struts won't do anything. When I got my Max I changed the entire suspension except for the control arms (all ball joints, struts, tie rods - I paid $500 for the car from my brother) and I still have the problem.

 

mine slightly occurs after 60+mph. dunno why i just ignore it...

 

im seeing similar things.... i had VERY bad tires and replaced those.....vibration nearly gone......however, now i have a shimmy only when im on the gas from 20-40mph.. if i try to accelerate very quickly the car and steering wheel have a shutter to it.... after about 70mph it feels almost the same again...

so... im thinking 2 possibilities.. its either a bad motor mount or its the transmission shuttering when its under a load (im leaning more towards the tranny)... tomorrow i will be changing the tranny fluid and see what happens.

since ive replaced the wheels and tires... and today i did the spark plugs, the shuttering is starting to get better......

im going to have the front tires rebalanced as well b/c i think thats the higher speed vibration.

 

I just can't believe, in this entire forum, with many orgers experiencing the same vibration problem, that no one can narrow down this problem to one specific thing. Come on folks! In fact, this is the first time that someone has mentioned that it might be related to his "transmission"! Heck, it might as well be related to the color of my car!

Somebody's gotta know how to correct this vibration on this vehicle without having to mention hundreds of possibilities. Aside from the vibration, this car is awesome and yet there are times that I would be willing to get rid of it just to eliminate the freakin' vibration.

Man...someone's gotta have the surefire anwser out there!

 

they just dont answer budd..

 

We'll find out soon enough...

 

Add me to this list as I have the same problem as well. I have replaced every sway bar bushing, tie rod end, lower ball joint, control arm bushing, front motor mount (rear motor mount was still good), every insulating part on the front struts (Illumina Strut/Spring package), steering rack bushings, and both axles. If that doesn't narrow it down, I don't know what will. The only things I have left to replace that deals with the front suspension/steering is wheel bearings and wheels/tires.

I hope we do figure this one out. It sucks hardcore.