73 240z hard to steer at all speeds

[bhsdriller]

I've had cars with no power steering before but this ones different. Its hard to steer no matter how fast your going. Also when going around a turn the wheel wont return or straighten out by itself. You have to spin the wheel back each time. Makes it hard to drive with always have to correct the steering.

Freeway speeds aren't any better

[Wade Nelson]

Unless you've got a lift and air tools, and LIKE using every bit of your strength and big levers to work on such things, take it to a reputable shop and tell them to fix your steering and suspension. YOu've got some seriously (dangerously) worn components.

Edited February 23, 2013 by Wade Nelson

[bhsdriller]

Its also way hard to turn with the front wheels off the ground

[bhsdriller]

[jfa.series1]

Nice looking car. +1 on Wade's comments. It sounds like your steering rack is locking up but you need to have ALL components checked.

[bhsdriller]

Hmm alright, do they make a remanufactured rack or what would I need to do if it is shot?....rebuild?

[SteveJ]

XenonS30, or do what Wade said.

[LeonV]

A combo of dead ball-joints, dead (or missing) upper strut bearing, and possible steering rack issue can cause this. Did you take a look underneath and do a quick check to see if something is binding?

[Powderkeg]

If you need to rebuild your steering rack, try Rareparts.com out of Stockton.

You may be interested in the "Street Racing Suspension" DVD from ZTherapy. It shows the workings of both the front and rear suspensions of the Zcar and how to replace parts and bushings.

Check out some of Blue's technical articles about the suspension system.

Congratulations on winning the $1000 Walmart gift card!

Dave Ruiz

[bhsdriller]

A combo of dead ball-joints, dead (or missing) upper strut bearing, and possible steering rack issue can cause this. Did you take a look underneath and do a quick check to see if something is binding?

We looked under it for a bit, but didnt really take an extensive look

Theres a really good import mechanic here that has a few Z's parked in the back. Might take it down there and see what they know about them

[Wade Nelson]

+1 on the ball joints. Replacing the BJ's in my 280ZX led to a MASSIVE improvement in steerability, and return-to-center.

[bhsdriller]

Haven't had much time to work on it lately, but we pumped in a bunch of grease on the zerk that's on the rack and it helped substantially. A lot better

Gonna get the ball joints checked out next

The driver side cv boot is ripped too so maybe its getting dirt in on that side.or drying out or something