i kinda notice nowadays that my steering response really but REALLY sucks! i tried checking for any loose but everything seems fine. and BTW its a 96 so ill probably change my steering rack for a 99. i already have a RSB but it didnt help much in steering response. any suggestions?

 

Does it feel like there is something loose or are you just saying a subjective statement that you don't like the way it handles? Are there any noises coming from the front or rear of the car?

Check these:

front struts
rear shocks
f/r mounts
f/r endlinks
f/r sway bar bushings
f/r springs to see if they might be cracked
alignment maybe?
tires are crap?

that should start you off on a good search
dan

 

have you replaced your tie rod ends ever?

 

damn it! That was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember what they were called!

 

didnt change any tie rods but i checked any theres no loose on anything, struts and coils are good, already changed my end links, the car overall feels nice and stiff but the steering somehow doesnt feel as connected lets say.

 

Tires?

Front tire pressure?

Toe?

 

i think what he means is the lack of responsiveness experienced in all 4th gens (the lag). i think it was vsamoly that came up with the solution for this using the metal replacement thing that goes in the steering rack instead of the OEM rubber one.

 

yeah thats wat i meant. so basicly theres a kind of bushing-like thing on the steering column i have to replace with some kinda metal thingy? but i was wondering also if anyone is also feeling the same way as me.

 

yes, its a common problem within all 4th gens. its a busy round thing that the steering poles go through, replace it with a custom made metal one and problem is fixed.

 

Pics of the custom made one ? Where can one get it ?

I had a similar problem to this one. It felt like even after all the bushing work, coilovers and what not the car still felt a bit sloppy. Having owned a Q45 at the time also.... my rear end was sloppy and I found that on those cars (and pretty much all RWD Nissans) the SUBFRAME BUSHINGS wear out, break.

So I inspect my bushings on the front subframe... what do you know my driver's side ones where hanging lower than the pass side one. So basically the big metal frame that holds the p/s rack, engine, tranny and cross member up- it was kinda tilted down towards the ground on the driver's side. I could stick my finget between the body and the subframe on the driver's side and pass side had like 1/8" of space (vs lil over 1/2" on driver's side).

I made myself some custom spacers that go between the BODY and the subframe. They sell these spacers on Ebay for Z32, S13, S14s etc... and I had to modify the **** out of em to fit- thanks to the grinder and a cut off wheel- I have a set on my car. You can see what I am talking bout here.
http://www.nissanperformancemag.com/june04/240sx/

Basically it eliminates the bushing and keeps the subframe secure to the body with no rubber parts- giving you a SOLID connection with absolutely NO movement. Handling improved and front end is now ALOT more solid as its nolonger shifting on me while driving.

I would still like to eliminate the P/S rack bushings with some custom collars... I have to see how my rack is mounted, might do the same thing to it as I did with the subframe :borathighfive:

 

I have read up on improving the handle in the front end and just ordered a stillen front strut bar , and a energy suspension bushing kit (polyurethane) . Energy suspension whole suspension and body bushing kit (not that exspensive) will take most of the delayed squashy feel when going for that quick response without all the flex from rubber bushings. Also it is recomended that you get your steering gear box adjusted about every 15,000 miles. I would think upgrading to a high performance gearbox would need this adjustment less often but I do know the adjustment made a difference when the dealer adjusted it. Hope this helps!