Hi all - just popped over from the UK owners club for some expert advice....

I have a 2004 350Z with 24k miles on it. Two weeks ago I fitted a set of Eibach pro-kit lowering springs. Very recently I have noticed a looseness / some play in the steering, for example, when I turn the wheel with the engine off, you can hear it knocking.

I took the car to my local Nissan garage who confirmed that it was indeed a small amount of play in the steering rack itself. Obviously I requested it was fixed (under warranty), but the mechanic told me that they would not authorise this due to the fitting of the Eibach springs. In his opinion, they caused stress on the car and "extreme angles when on full lock".

From what I've been told, if Nissan can not prove the springs have caused the fault, they must honour the warranty claim. So my question is, have the springs caused this problem, or do Eibach's strict German TUV specifications mean that they do not cause any more stress than normal springs as far as the steering components are concerned?

Any help much appreciated

 

No way springs will cause wear in a steering rack, rediculous statement from a dealer not wanting to honour a warranty claim. Your 19s will cause more stress, but oh, guess who sells them, oh yeah, Nismo!

 

If your springs are causing you problems in the rack then this is the first I have evern heard of such a thing. Sounds like they are avoiding warranty responsibilities.

 

Does this play occur with the car shut off (no power assist)?

Have you had your alignment checked since the install?

Chris

 

Yes, you can clearly hear it with no PAS engaged.

 

check your inner tie rods, hopefully its only in the inners and not the rack.

 

I would get under the car immediately and check every nut and bolt that was loosened when the springs were installed.

Chris

 

Sorry to sound dumb, but is that something I can see clearly from under the car?

 

yeah, just jack up your car, look for the inner boots, take off the metal zip tie things and pull the boot back and look at the rod where it connects to the rack. have a friend wiggle the wheel and see if the actual rod is moving.

 

I don't think its the rack, it is a pretty hearty piece of gearing that should last quite a while. Nissan may have confirmed it is play in the rack but this might have been them just turning the wheel from the drives seat. Lots of people have installed these springs and many more have gone even lower and I have not heard of others with this issue. Although there is a first time for everything, 24k and 2 weeks on new springs seems like far to short a time to wear out the rack.

I think it is something that was loosened when the springs were installed. Put in on stands. Take the wheels off and check ALL the bolts that were loosened when the springs were put in (this included the bolts under the hood as well). If for instance you have an upper ball joint that is not tight and the spindle is moving around, it can cause the rack to feel sloppy.

Chris