Crazy steering shimmy

[bacarl]

Here's my first request for help on my new-to-me, single owner '73! Here's the car as it sits

It's up like that because this happened to one of the roughly 25 year old tires

The car has only 63k miles, but like any 40 year old all-original vehicle, it does not drive particularly well. I've been doing a lot of reading on the common issues, of which I have many. One that I'd like to fix right away is a pretty violent shaking in the front end and steering wheel when I hit bumps. From what I've learned here, it sounds as though the front tension/compression rods are the culprit. The bushings are definitely worn and cracked. I'll post pics of those tonight. So I have the option of replacing them with stock rubber (I like stock), or "upgrading" to MSA's hemispherical bearings or even full spherical bearing units from ArizonaZcar or Techno Toy (links added for my reference later). The car is original so I'm leaning toward simple stock replacement but I'd like to hear any strong votes of confidence for the upgraded parts. Also if other parts could be causing my symptoms, I welcome any feedback. Thanks everyone.

[jfa.series1]

Hey Brian,

Nice looking car and low miles to boot - good find. The front suspension is pretty intolerant of anything out of whack: shocks, bushings, tire balance, ball joints, alignment, ...the list goes on. Front end shake coming up to the steering wheel is a common symptom.

if you choose bushings other than rubber, expect a loss of compliance - that translates into a more harsh ride, noise, and a lot more feedback thru the wheel. If the car is be a driver with little or no track or AX usage, I recommend sticking with Nissan stock bushings - typically available from your local dealer or Courtesy.

Be prepared to go through the entire front end to identify and resolve these aging issues. Be advised that rubber steering rack bushings are NLA, polyurethane is just about the only game in town.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[Pop's Z]

bacarl, before you do anything else, please get rid of those old tires. They can be dangerous. Get some new ones at Tire Rack. Even tires for a minivan are better than the 25 year old tires on your car. I have the ball&socket tension rod set-up and there is a fair amount of road shock felt in the wheel. It was the same when I had the all poly stuff, too. The best thing for you might be with the stock rubber. They are still available and easy to change out. Probably the ball joints and tie rod ends could stand to be replaced along with the steering rack bushings and sway bar bushings, too. You are beginning to find what I did on my 70K mile car: all the suspension pieces will need to be replaced sooner or later, but you won't believe the difference in the car's handling after you do the work...fantastic!

Cheers, Mike

[EuroDat]

I second Pop's Z on the tyres.

My 280Z was original bushings and steered like a boat, all over the place. The bushings were old and falling apart to such that the rack was coming loose. I opted for the PU bushings and the Tension rod kit. The ride is a little harder but it steers really well. Glad I went PU.

Chas

[bacarl]

Thanks guys, great info. Pop's Z, I fully anticipate a long and joyful/arduous process of restoring the suspension to its former sweet-handling status. Fortunately the car is a driver so I can putz around in it in the meantime.

I already have a set of new tires for it. I'm not sure what direction I'll take the car so I just popped for the cheapest respectable set I could find: some 195/70R14 Falken Sinceras... $160 out the door!! I couldn't believe it. Just one Dunlop Direzza for my other car (Mazdaspeed3) is $250!

As you can tell from the temp sticker I haven't had the car long, and I haven't put many miles on those old tires. I did have to drive it 150 miles home from the west side of Michigan to the greater Detroit area where I live; very fortunate that I made it safely. The tire in the picture gave out just a few days later (while I was taking my girlfriend for her first ride in the car, naturally).

[bacarl]

Sorry, double post.

[zKars]

Congrats on your new baby! Beautiful color. It will be worth the effort. Don't forget to change them front wheel bearings too!

Man, if ever there was a recipe for disaster (or embarrasment and ammunition for later), take your GF for a ride in an old car you just brought home. What were you thinkin', bro?

[psdenno]

I second the suggestion to change the steering rack bushings - especially if the rough steering feel happens only at certain speeds. Have you ruled out the 25 year old tires, flat spots and all, as the cause?

Dennis

[psdenno]

Double post deleted.

Shame on me.

Edited May 30, 2013 by psdenno

[Captain Obvious]

Man, if ever there was a recipe for disaster (or embarrasment and ammunition for later), take your GF for a ride in an old car you just brought home.

Haha!! Heard THAT!! I made that mistake.

I think I got the best reaction to be expected. "Well whatever... As long as you like it. Hey, what's that smell"? she says shouting over the exhaust and road noise.

[bacarl]

Double post deleted.

Shame on me.

I did the same thing... the site seemed to be running slow yesterday and I got impatient.

I haven't officially ruled out the old tires since I haven't installed the new ones yet, but the shimmy issue feels like a lack-of-damping issue. I'll start with the bushings and change shocks when I have more money. Funny story: the PO seemed excited that he had put new Koni shocks on the car "several years" back. I found the receipt in his paperwork - they were installed in 1975!!!

Haha!! Heard THAT!! I made that mistake.

I think I got the best reaction to be expected. "Well whatever... As long as you like it. Hey, what's that smell"? she says shouting over the exhaust and road noise.

Hey, we're all excited to show off our new toys! Mine was the same way, she knew I was excited so she was anxious to check it out

What are you guys' thoughts on replacement ball joints? I hope the $39 aftermarket parts (with zerk fittings) are acceptable in lieu of the $150 OEM parts?

[cbuczesk]

Check Rock Auto for the TC bushings and MOOG ball joints/tie rods. Oh, they also have Moog poly sway bar bushings. Get some poly rack bushings from MSA. All of that combined with new tires and a front end alignment will make it better than new!

Chuck