Two days ago, I was cruising on the freeway and noticed
that my car is a lot wobblier and not as rigid.
The car felt very nervous and wasn't as responsive(handling-wise) as before.
Then I noticed that the steering is VERY loose..
The steering wheel had at least an inch of freeplay left and right.
As far as I remember, my steering was TIGHT and RESPONSIVE..
Now, it feels very loose, not as responsive and takes more revolution to make a same turn.
I did a test of quick slalom left and right, and the car felt SLUGGISH.

I have not done anything to bend my frame or destroy my suspension.
My power steering fluid is full.

Just what's going on?

 

If I were u I'd get it checkout asap. You said so yourself it wasnt like that before. You wouldnt want to be driving it if something was coming loose, could be very dangerous. get it checked

 

If you have access to a lift, look at the steering linkage. The connector above should have two bolts in place, and be relatively tight.

 

i had one of my front wheels bearings toasted and realized it just in time. took it to nissan and they replaced both fronts. that happened when i only had about 30k miles on it. get it checked!

 

I remember there was a popping noise from the front underneath somewhere.
Ever since then it started to do this.

 

Definitely get it checked ASAP. Don't want to risk driving around something that may potentially get you or anyone else hurt. It's like driving around with bad brakes.

 

I have the exact issue it seems. It pops when you go forward at first or stop or reverse? form dead stop to moving right? I would REALLY APPRECIATE IT if you could post the answer as soon as you know. In the mean time I need to check that knuckle from above, but that will not be the noise I would not think.

 

Johnny,
that's not the same pop I have. Mine was one time pop..sort of felt like
something came loose or got snapped.

 

Oh,when you said ever since I thought you meant that it happened more than once during the life of the car.

Does anyone know what my "issue" may be. Reluctant to take the car into the dealer because of warranty voiding mods. If I knew what it was I could repair/replace on my own.

 

+1, I get the pop sound when I go in reverse and crank the wheel all the way to the left. Has been that way for a very long time now with no noticeable change.

 

Are you sure? Because I would think that might have happened when the mustang bumped you into the car in front. Hmmmm.

 

What year is your 350Z?

Mileage?

 

03 31k miles, my issue started right after a shop put tein s tech springs on the front. Wont go back now though, I finally got them to fix everything else they F'ed up. Starting to have more and more bad luck with this car. I would not trade it for anything though, 'cept maybe a G.

 

Thanks for hijacking my thread Johnny Smith. lol I'm just kidding.
I wish I can help you with your situation too, but I don't have clue what it is.


Can someone please do the test for me and confirm it?
1) at low speeds(10-20mph)
2) at freeway cruising speed (70-80mph)

Try rocking the steering wheel left and right quicky about an inch.
Please tell me how your car responds..and also tell me if there's free play.

Johnny Smith maybe you can help me on this

 

No free play as it were, I have response when I steer, Do you have VDC and/or mods on the suspension wheels?

 

With the engine NOT running, and the ignition unlocked-Have someone wiggle the steering wheel while you look for looseness or take it to a professional.

 

def. get the service department to check it out for anything

 

Went out and checked, a little free play, but it seems to be because of the geometry changes made by the 20" rims and lowering springs.

 

have your alignment checked as well. it could be something as simple as that. does the steering vibrate at higher speeds? if so that would mean your tires need balanced.

 

did you change tires by any chance to something with a soft sidewall?