After reading nick's post about replacing Lower Control arms, I went ahead and did this..All I have to say is, for those of you who have driven a honda/acura and like the way their steering feels (tight), then go ahead and do this, you won't regret it.

 

I got my Maxima back yesterday after installing ES Lower Control Arm bushings and ball joints and new inner tie rods. It tracks a little better now, although the steering still feels a bit overboosted. My stock bushings turned out to be just fine.

If anyone wants a used set of control arms to re-joint and re-bush, PM me. (I can buy/install the balljoints too since I now have the tool for it). Having the LCAs ready to install as a second set makes doing the work much simpler.

Dave

 

Take the power steering pump off...

I don't get how changing a LCA can change steering feel...

 

Brand new LCA have newer bushings, on older vehicles like ours they gradually wear out..Yours currently look like this:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....1&page=1&pp=30

 

Then just replace the bushings. WTF??!!

 

For roughly $150, you're getting brand new ball joints, new bushings and a brand new control arm.

 

Mine have 131k and my stock bushings turned out to be fine, but I put in the replacements anyway. If they are bad, then it fixes any flexing in the bushings that results in bump steer.

Balljoints can affect steering feel since new ones have a greater resistance to turning, and thus feel 'tighter'. As well with outer and inner tie rods - new ones will contribute to a little more resistance in the steering wheel, even if the old ones were functionally fine.

Dave

 

now that's very interesting

 

Not even a chance that your power steering system can feel that slight of a change in resistance. Were talking a pound or two of force max, compaired to close to a few hundred pounds of force the rack needs to put out to push/pull your hub assembly (turn the wheel) while you car is stationary, on the ground.

New components only improve straight line tracking stability.
If you want a tighter steering feel on a 4th gen, buy yourself a 99 model.

 

I just notice the number or 'loose steering' thread

 

That's what I had in mind - high speed, no power boost, straight line. Most people won't complain about loose steering at lower speeds and while making turns.

 

It's the ball joint and bushings.

 

I really dunno what you guys mean by stiffer feel and how you can even say a honda has a stiffer feel LOL. I've had the top 3 makes in my family and have driven them all and NISSANs by far IMO have the stiffest in relation to HONDA and TOYOTA.

The honda steering feels best to me imo cuz it just does. It's not over tight and smoothe. The toyota I felt was a bit loose, and I disliked it the most. The Maxima which I drive daily now is stiffest but overtime it's all good.

If you've got the time, tools, knowledge to resource and do it I don't see why not. I wouldn't bother with it for many reasons though, one being my lack of knowledge and resource and 2 it doesn't bother me too much unless something really BROKE ! :knock on wood: and

 

Guys - where is a good place to purchase all of these items?

 

ebay! 12345

 

^^i searched EBAY, and i cant find any LCA's and inner tie rods for the maxima.....i can find some OEM ones, but no brand new ones