Gazza

Hello i am very new to this forum i have a fairlady z nismo and i have started to hear a lous banging like a ball joint or something is away but it aint that it passed an m.o.t guy says no fault. Anyway trying to figure what it can be and now my power steering is playing up (heavy steering) and also still banging noise was wonder if anyone can shine some light for me ave narrowed it down to the steering colum that may be goosed would this cause a clunking noise and also make me have heavy steering or can it be something else am.lost here as cannot see any issues with the suspention anywhere at all.

thanks for reading

gary

NissanZcrazy

iTrader: (1)

Umm..............Huh?......So you want to know where the CLUNK is coming from?
You also want to know why you have stiff steering?

Gazza

Yes as it started clunking then the steering became very heavy when driving it has fluid in it so no leaks in the power steering

NissanZcrazy

iTrader: (1)

My guess the tech that did your "Saftey check" missed something.Happens ALL the time unfortunately.Check the balljoint attached to the tension arm.You won't feel
the play in them when you shake the wheel side to side and up and down.
Stiff steering was a sudden thing?.

Gazza

No happened couple of days after the clunking noises.

i will change the ball joints and see if the noise goes away but could that cause stiff steering!!

NissanZcrazy

iTrader: (1)

Only way the balljoints would cause stiff steering is if the one or more were seizing up,Which is only likely if it's been sitting for a long time and a boot(s) are torn open allowing water to get in.
Check for play in the ball joints,Also the front sway bar end links for play too.For the clunk noise.....

The stiff steering could be caused by a seized intermediate shaft u joint or a faulty power steering pump.Blockage in the lines.
Does the pump whine at all/is it noisy?.
Does it have any assisted steering at all or does it have the same stiffness even when the car is off?
When you're turning your steering wheel is it the same stiffness the whole time
Or does it get stiff then easier then stiff again as your turn the wheel?

Gazza

Yes it gets stiff then easy then stiff again when driving pump doesnt whine at all sway bar is a good shout as cant really see it to well for the undertray being in the way am hoping its nothing too major when i get properly under there the car has only fone 34000 miles so not bad for 11 year old i have driving it nearly every day since the last 2 years

NissanZcrazy

iTrader: (1)

Ok so, if when turning your steering wheel it gets tough to turn then goes easy again it's most likely the universal joint in the intermediate shaft that has seized up.Only way to know for sure is to unbolt it from the rack input shaft and check how well it moves in both directions.It should be nice and smooth not notchy or tough to move.Make sure you make marks on the input shaft so you can line it up again for installation.Other size your steering wheel will be off.Also lock the steering wheel so you don't over spin your clock spring for the air bag

Gazza

Ok i will give that a try aswell while am under there tommorow i will get back to you if i find ny faults you have sayed about

thank you for your help

gary

carbuffguy

Good advice, but I think the OP needs a good shop

NissanZcrazy

iTrader: (1)

If you're not too sure about things.Take it to a professional technician.Good luck