Here we go again:

I've recently replaced the LCAs/bushings, swaybar-endlinks/bushings. Also changed all 4 struts to TOKICO HPs. After i had all that work done, went for an allignment @ Firestone.

Shortly after that, i noticed that the car starts drifting to the right when going >30mi/hr and i have the hold the steering wheel slightly to the left to compensate. The steering also developed a very loose feeling. Every little imperfection on the road could be felt through the steering wheel. SOOO,when i went to National Tire and Battery (seems to be the most reccomneded allignment place), I asked them to inspect all the suspension/steering atuff. They did the allignment and corrected the TOE (which was waaaay out of spec) and in the process the said that my strut mounts are busted (which could be the cause of the streering issues). I went and got OEM strut mounts/bearings, and got them installed. Right after that, the steering felt very solid/tight. No more shudder on rough pavement. Very smooth! YAY!

SO I go to get a 2nd allignmet (which was free), but they were unable to correct the "drifting to the right" issue. (I had 4 new tires installed back in March, since the Firestone allignment, i noticed that my left driver's tire showed some pretty serious wear along the outer edge compared the passenger's side tire). The techs @ NTB said that the front-end is 100% straight/perfect, so they suggested rotating the tires. Even after the rotation, i still have the same issue, and now the new front driver's tire is starting to wear like the other one.

SORRY FOR THE LONG POST, BUT THIS IS VERY VERY FRUSTRATNG!!!!

 

1. take it to another shop (a performance shop that can deal with "aftermarket" suspension) and have them inspect the tie rod end.
2. get the camber kit, even for stock height. (max's seem to have camber issues)
3. may need to check the left hand steering rack mount to see if its ok.
4. bump steer
5. check the rear (non adjustable) but if the mounts are worn on the rear trailing arms, it can effect the front also.

 

That sux, i don't really know of any "performance" shops in the area. I've had these guys check out everything. I'm also unfamiliar with camber kits, please enlighten an ignoramus. Oh and if the rear was causing issues, would one of the tires show it (like on the front)?

 

Did this problem start developing before or after installing the aftermarket parts?

 

I think this problem started developing before, but it seems like everything that i've done doesn't make things any better. (well, keeping in mind that replacing the rear struts eliminated the bouncy rear feeling, and i've started have the shakes above 60mi/hr which was fixed by the new LCAs) The steering was always sloppy and loose-feeling. It seems like something's loose in the rack/steering column cause i can feel light tapping in the steering wheel when going over bumps (even though it's gotten better with the new strut mounts). I'll have my usual shop take a look at the tie-rods and the steering rack mounts/byshing.

 

get the front tires off the ground, then grab them and try to wiggle them. If they move look to see what is loose. Check to see if the tie rods are loose and allowing the wheel a little play. (This is what I had) I changed my tie rods today (among other things anyou would not believe the difference it made)
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=529379

 

^^ That is also how you check for a bad wheel bearing, he/she could get it mixed up.

 

Either way, he'll know something is wrong if the wheel wiggles
You can actually grab the inner tie rod and try to wiggle it and see if there is any play in the ball joint there. It doesn't take much. if there is any noticable play in it it should be changed.

 

gotcha Thanks, i think i'll try to get to my shop. I'll have them check the tie-rods (which i can now do myself ) I want them to look at the steering rack bushings/mounts.

 

update.....I had my shop check out the tie-rods, and they said that they're and that i shoul d try to get re-alligned to spec again. I went back to Firestone who originally did the allignment after the suspension overhaul. They checked/re-alligned for free and now it doesn't pull to the right anymore (they may have actually over done it a little). Seems like all is good, i now have to make sure that the tire pressue is even on both sides.