I am working on one of my '71 240's and want to replace the steering rack with a rebuilt unit. I have searched the posts for recommended vendors and found a reference to MSA from 2007, but they appear not to have them, at least not on their web pages. I found this on the web: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_parts/steering_rack/nissan/240z.html Anyone have any input or other suggestions? Thank you in advance. -Bill-

The link you found is a whole lot cheaper than what Black Dragon currently shows for $400:

http://www.blackdragonauto.com/ICATALOG/Z/full.aspx?page=86

If someone has the Nissan part number (I couldn't find it) it would be a good idea to see if they're still available from Nissan.

I wonder what the autopartswarehouse price includes? Might just be new seals at the ends without actually taking it apart at that price.

Thanks for the link. Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with the "CVU" brand rebuilder as listed? I've heard of other parts suppliers, but never this one. If you strictly measure a good deal on the price paid, then yes, it's a great deal compared to other suppliers. That being said, I don't have any information on MSA or even Black Dragons steering racks. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but I can't tell you how many rebuilt alternators I've replaced, due to a 'good deal'.

MikeW: the Nissan P/N(s) for the "ASSY - STEERING GEAR" are: 48001-E4451; -E4452; -E4453 and (prior numbers superseded) -E8850 up to 07/73, then 48001-E3650 from 08/73 and 48001-N4150 for 2+2, according to the microfiche.

I really hope to hear something positive from this "CVU" rebuilder

MikeW: the Nissan P/N(s) for the "ASSY - STEERING GEAR" are: 48001-E4451; -E4452; -E4453 and (prior numbers superseded) -E8850 up to 07/73, then 48001-E3650 from 08/73 and 48001-N4150 for 2+2, according to the microfiche.

I really hope to hear something positive from this "CVU" rebuilder

Ok, with the proper part number in hand I came up with this:

http://www.nissanpart4u.com 48001-E8850 $1,348.56

http://www.nissanparts.cc 48001-E8850 $1,370.14

http://www.courtesyparts.com 48001-E8850 $1,391.72

The first link is actually a parts site set up by a local Nissan dealer for me.

I suppose that may be why Galaxybj is looking for a rebuilt unit. That also leads me to believe that the Black Dragon offering is also rebuilt.

I just got one from CarSteeringWholesale which seems to be one of at least three companies all doing business under different names but showing the same parts and prices.

It looks okay and the inners seem good. Worst case I will replace my inners from the existing rack (only one year old and OEM).

My rack itself seems to have a slight hitch in it and that is unsettling at speed.

Did a little more searching tonight and according to the following site there is a manufacturer limited 7 year/70,000 mile warranty - http://autoparts.cardomain.com/auto-part/39068-nissan-240z-cvu-cvu8230-steering-rack#fits Total cost w/core and shipping - $156.43 I have not been able to find specific info on CVU, the manufacturer. New from Nissan would be nice, but at the listed price - sorry - I have a lot more parts to buy and my budget isn't open ended.

Autozone use to have an R&R service where they would send your steering rack/gear/pump off to the remanufacturer who would do the reman and then return the unit to the store. The store would then call you when it arrived. Not sure if they still have this service. This was popular with restorers who wanted to keep their car as original as possible. I believe the warranty was lifetime also.

There were two main players doing power steering reman, ATSCO Products in Phoenix and Cardone in Philadelphia. Both companies were ISO 9000 Registered at one time, meaning they had a documented quality management system in place. There's quite a few other local/regional outfits doing reman across the country.

There's a big difference between rebuilt and remanufactured, remanufactured is better and will cost more.

A reman unit can be a toss of the dice sometimes but they do cost alot less than new. However, your rack is a manual rack, so there's is less of a chance you'll have a problem with it, like it leaks. Maybe look for a local rebuilder to do the work, it should be cheaper than you're finding. Ask if they can get you new outer tierods for a good price while you're there.

Good luck with your car.

Bruce

Try this too:

http://www.rockauto.com

I was going to ask about this vendor when I got to this point. Filter down through the catalog to find the steering rack...