I have a 96 GLE - I can't stand the real easy steering on my car compared to the SE model. Hell, I barely want any power steering = what can I do to make my car's steering like the SE? Is it just the rack or what? I'm sure someone here knows - this place has ALL the answers! Thanks in advance!!!

 

yea my 97 GLE steering is a bit too loose for my liking as well. i would like to tighten it up.

but im not about to dump 200+ bux into changing the resistance. if its easy and cheap though i would like some ideas.

 

from what i read here, get a '99 SE rack. there is a write-up as well.

 

I have an SE with aftermarket wheels and its also a bit loose.

So I think its just a Maxima thing.

 

If you want a stiffer feel go with the 99 se steering rack. It is made to be tighter. That pretty much the only thing you can do to tighten it up.

 

couldnt you just pour some sand into the PS reservoir . thatd slow it down plenty.

 

try it and report findings.

 

is it only the 99 SE rack that's tighter? or is it 97-99 or maybe all SE's that are tighter? my 97' SE feels soooo much better than my 95 gxe.

 

i kind of like my gle steering they way its so smooth

 

95-96 racks arre all the same. 97-99 SE rack is different from 97-99 GLE/GXE. if you want to upgrade your 95-96 then get the 97-99 SE rack. thats my plan for spring. its all in the stickies.

 

if you get an underdrive pulley for the P/S pump it will tighten up the steering, My friend did this on his 330i that he autocross'. you want to up the size, the bigger pulley will spin slower making the steering tighter (less pumping pressure).

 

The 99 SE power steering system has a completely different feel then any other 4th gen Maxima. It's more then just the rack that makes it's steering effort different (tighter).

 

of all the UDP's available for 4th gens, I thought the PS pulley was still stock diameter. it's only the AC and alternator that is underdriven, no?
and I've never UDP for the PS pump itself

 

96-99 I30 rack is same also. IMHO wouldn't want to do this with motor in car.

DOES ANYONE HAVE A WINDOW STICKER FROM A '97-99SE???

 

My guess is that the SE used different suspension parts as well as rack thus making the steering feel tighter. And ... I agree, not a fun job with the engine in the car. Kevlo just did his IIRC. Pretty sure he did a write up on it too. "search"

I like the sand idea! Would work very well for what you are wanting, but ... probably not for long term. lol

 

My hypothesis:
It'll definately make the steering effort harder. but eventually, the steering would be lose and the effort still stiff.

 

my steering has gotten loose over time ... i know there was a polyurethane bushing made to help with that. Not sure how successful that was... but I also found it was due to worn control arms.