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So I've been having this issue where my 2005 Z is very wobbly/unbalanced when taking turns or merging lanes especially over road reflectors. I along with others have looked at the bushings under the car, and they are all tight in suspension. I'm at 120k in mileage and have replaced all my suspension bushings in the front. Rack has been replaced once.
No one can find out what the heck is causing this issue including certified techs. I've been told once to replace the rack and possibly the tie rods. I also have Tein extended rods by the way. Now this is not exactly a cheap option to "try" and replace the rack especially having replaced it already once. So my question is, is it possible that the bushings on the steering rack itself may have simply worn out? Anyone have experience with this hair pulling scenario? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Without driving your Z, it's impossible to know what is causing the "wobbly/unbalanced" feel you mention. There could be a myriad of other reasons outside the steering, even though you seem convinced that's the cause. How many miles ago had you replaced the rack?
Without driving your Z, it's impossible to know what is causing the "wobbly/unbalanced" feel you mention. There could be a myriad of other reasons outside the steering, even though you seem convinced that's the cause. How many miles ago had you replaced the rack?
I replaced rack at around 85k. Just some more background on the car. Lower control arm + all bushings were replaced on it. The joint has been replaced as well. The compression rod and bushing were replaced as well along with joint. Upper control arms got replaced with SPL Version 2 arms since the version 1's had some issues due to prior mechanic F up. Coilovers are Greddy and checked for possible fluid leak on strut. All good there. Sway bar bushings were replaced. End links were replaced front to back. Rear camber arms were replaced with SPL version 1. Bushing in rear are in good condition. I tested by putting pressure on all joints and linkages with a metal bar to see if there was any play. All is good.
It's doubtful your steering rack is going out so soon. But I wonder what, with all your suspension mods, what your bump steer is at. Instability going over bumps, or Botts Dots sounds like extreme bump steer must be ruled out first.
Pay no mind to the caster and right front side camber. I had tech correct that when I told him that the camber arms adjust caster. He also got the front a bit closer to within range. But steer ahead and thrust camber are set to 0. What do you guys think?
UPDATE: I was driving home and decided to go left to right and vice versa aggressively at a low speed. I noticed that the car would not rebound fast enough going from left back to the right and vice versa. And then I heard some clicking. I decided to look under the car. I took some photos of the rack and passenger side inner rod boot. Let me know if you guys think the steering rack is going based on your experience. Thanks.
Get an OEM rack. Aftermarket racks are garbage. That being said, if you DID replace it earlier with an aftermarket rack, see if it has a lifetime warranty. They often do, since, as stated before, they're garbage.
12-25-2016, 10:30 PM
350z Steering Rack...
