5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Steering Rack differences in 5th gen Maxes/I30s/I35s

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 05:59 PM
  #1  
ridinwitha35's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 620
From: Midwest
Steering Rack differences in 5th gen Maxes/I30s/I35s

There seems to be two different racks. Fitment-wise, they appear to be identical, but there are minor differences I've noticed that makes me wonder if one rack is better than the other (especially since I'm replacing my rack). I have an '02 I35...which doesn't match the '02 Max rack (now I know why Nissan dealers looked at me crazy when I was looking for lock plates).

--Models----
Rack A:
02 Maxima
03 Maxima

Rack B:
00-01 Maxima
00-01 I30
02-03 I35

Side-by-side comparison:


02/03 Maxima rack as compared to the others:
1) No Lock plate & spacer ring at tie rod connection
2) No Center bushing (by the right-side oil seal)
3) No shims at pinion/rack connection ("gear sub-assembly")
4) Less parts for the sliding force adjustment (by the bolt holes)


My question is:

Is one better than the other? Is the 02/03 Max rack considered an upgrade over the other rack? Anyone know the justification for the different racks?


Bigger pictures:

Rack A (02-03 Max):


Rack B (all-other-5th gen):
Old Sep 24, 2009 | 07:58 PM
  #2  
ridinwitha35's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 620
From: Midwest
Bump from this chump
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 09:56 AM
  #3  
Fred Stone's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25
From: Tecumseh, OK
Wow, nice catch!
I would never have noticed.
It could be an upgrade/improvement, or it could have to do with changes to the manufacturing process to make the assmbly line flow better.
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 11:37 AM
  #4  
knight_yyz's Avatar
Toolie
iTrader: (40)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,711
From: Hamilton, Ontario
http://nissan4u.com/parts/maxima/us_...llustration_1/

looks like there are 2 part numbers. probably the second one is an improvement in some way.

485215Y485
alternate: 485212Y405
Old Sep 27, 2009 | 02:10 PM
  #5  
and1jr17's Avatar
Junior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 71
From: New York
question... does the I30/I35 have the same crappy radius as 5th gens?
Old Sep 28, 2009 | 05:56 AM
  #6  
ridinwitha35's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 620
From: Midwest
and1: yup, if not worse.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
stevesmax
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
17
Dec 17, 2020 11:57 AM
Maxima_Joe
4th Generation Classifieds (1995-1999)
16
Nov 25, 2015 08:19 AM
Maxima_Joe
4th Generation Classifieds (1995-1999)
3
Oct 15, 2015 08:01 PM
Finkle
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
13
Sep 27, 2015 09:53 PM
ViciousVQ30
4th Generation Classifieds (1995-1999)
0
Aug 5, 2015 05:40 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:49 PM.