I have a 2001 AE 5speed with 220,000 miles. Recently ran into this problem where I can feel the torque steer while accelerating normally (regular driving not hot rodding). I thought it was because my passenger side axle was in need of replacing since the cv boot was tore. So I went ahead and replaced the whole axle. The car still does it. My tires are in need of replacing soon but was wondering does dry rotted worn tires cause this issue? Maybe the tires have lost their integrity or stiffness. so when I apply throttle maybe they flex too much. I will be replacing them soon with some nitto motivo's but saving up a few more dollars.

 

In short, yes tires can cause abnormal torque steer.

 

Check ur lca bushings thats what caused mine but lots of things can cause torque steer. Tirod links, motor mount bushings, anything loose in the suspension

 

Agreed, as mentioned - anything that can throw one or both wheel geometries off can cause what seems like torque steer or enhance already present torque steer.

Bad wheel bearings, ball joints, and off alignment can enhance steering pull. But, even more so lower control arms, outer tie rods, inner tie rods, bad/worn tires, or I've even seen bad rack pushings attribute to this issue.

Need to have all those components inspected.

I personally have an appointment this Friday to have my inner tie rods changes and an alignment. My passenger side is fine, but I've got 1/4" of left/right wheel movement on the drivers side.

 

So I took off my passenger side lower control arm and it looks like that is the culprit. The bushing on smaller metal bar was badly damaged. (The one that has the 4 bolts that hold it to the car). I ordered some new moog arms and should be in by tomorrow. Went ahead and ordered for both sides. Might as well do them at the same time. Thanks for for the info.

 

Next issue is why that bushing got damaged.. is there oil/fluid on that side of the car? Nissan power steering systems are prone to leaking, and the ATF used in the system will eat rubber bushings quickly.

 

You are correct sir. I did some searching and found out that the power steering fluid leak I had did the damage. I already fixed the leak awhile back.

 

Maxima.org - Healing Maxima's one member at a time.

 

great thanks for the follow up, I had the common power steering leak and will look into this.

 

so I finally got the parts in and replaced the passenger side that was messed up. Drives great now. But.... I had went ahead and purchased the drivers side also just thought I would change them both to be equal. Well, I couldn't remove the rear control arm bolts to even get started. I said forget it. Inspected the bushings on the drivers side and they still look good. so I'm just going to return the part and call it a day.