Hi guys...mostly stock '95se 5spd here (just got a y-pipe -one mod at a time), and I'm wondering what's the best way to tighten up the steering? Car seems to want to wander at highway speeds, even after alignment, tires pressure adjustments etc. I heard that there are bushings I can change, but have no specifics. I'm hoping to get the suspension done later this spring.
Car has quite high mileage (270k miles). Appreciate your help.

 

change innner and outter tie rods would sharpen up the steering, in addition to new control arms, and new bushings.

 

Or do what I am doing and replace the steering rack

 

damn what arent you replacing lately

Using a 99 steering rack?

 

Yes sir, 99SE.

It's all part of the overhaul.

 

What's the benefit of the '99 over any other year model 4th gen? Are you doing it just because it's newer, and should have less miles on it and less wear, or is there an actual change maybe in gearing or something?

 

99s had tighet steering, it wasnt as loose and "sloppy" as the previous years from the 99.

 

Really? Huh, learn something new every day. Never seen that posted around here before, or listed in model year changes.

Is it worth it to change it out (gains vs parts/labor)? How much of a difference is it?

 

Changing a rack is a lot in labor, parts cost isn't bad if you find a used one. (I found plenty on that internet junkyard parts search site).

The possible reasons for loose steering are numerous:
1) Loosened steering rack (can be retightened)
2) Worn rack bushings, or loose rack brackets
3) Worn/loose inner tie rod
4) Worn/loose outer tie rod
5) Bad balljoint
6) Worn control arm bushings
7) Poor spring/shock choice
8) Poor tire choice/inflation

I've done nearly all of them in pursuit of my loose steering problem. The sensible thing to do is inspect those items I listed and change only what is worn. See if you can find an ****-retentive mechanic (most aren't, even good mechanics) who will use a fine-toothed comb to find the problem.

Dave

 

Buy a 99, problem solved.

 

good thread man i was wondering about this yesterday, driving 75mph and twisting the wheel back and forth like 1/8 of a turn each direction without the car changing course at all

 

All good points, the only thing I've done so far is replace the ball joints, my mechanic noticed some play in them. I really know what you mean about mechanics, most rarely have the patience to take a look at this stuff. I hate being brushed off when they mention the age of the car. I'll try to look for someone knowledgeable about front-ends, I just don't want to pay an arm and leg.

Appreciate the input guys, keep it coming!

 

I heard about this swap, but the labour alone is freaky. I also heard of some steering pre-load adjustments that can be done also. However, I'd like to try the easy/cheap methods as a first stab at the issue.

 

Have you tried poly FSB bushings and zero front toe vs toe-in yet? Maybe a power steering flush if you've never had one recently.

 

I'll take a look around here in Toronto for the poly bushings. I guess the zero toe vs toe-in should be done during alignment? I'll have a talk with the shop about this when I go in.

Power steering has never been flushed, just topped up occasionally. Maybe it's worth a shot.

Thx

 

It's not only '99 is it? My 98 has alot more feel and feedback than any 95-96 I have ever driven (drive them quite often). Didn't some form of the I30 also have a desirable rack?

 

seems like a lot of modifications are needed

 

i've heard good things about matt blehm's lower tie bar (LTB)

 

Get an RSB, it gets rid of "some" pesky body roll and all of the 'Oh my god my car is floating in an ocean' feeling during high speed lane changes. IDK why Nissan didnt include a serious RSB bar in SE models, it seems like a logical move to me.

 

word...my steerinf feel in my 98 is much better than my 96......but repalce all frotn end parts....a nice set of performance springs alway helps...