Evening folks, apparently the Z has speed sensitive steering, so, why does my little zoomer snake around lanes like it's on heat?

 

Despite running 245's all round, I notice the steering has about 1cm-1.5cm of play at most times. JeffTT mentioned that I had a slight HICAS bearing issue that needed to be dealt with which will probably contribute to this issue, but I don't think it would account for all of it.

 

Other than that, has anyone tightened up the steering so that it stays firm and steady at any speed? It's just not straight and level and firm enough for me. It's had tracking/alignment and balancing done, so all the vibration has disappeared, now I just need it to go exactly where I want it to :rolleyes:

 

All help much appreciated.

 

Many thanks, Alex

Apparently the lower U/J on the steering rack is prone to developing play and from what I understand its fairly easy to change.

245's on the front is a litle bit too much and would tend to make it tramline and follow grooves and cambers.

 

If you have play in the rear steering also then it becomes like a shopping trolley. That's the first thing to fix.

does the back end step out when you go over a slight bump at speed? if so then your hicas arms are shot like mine were a few years ago

Thanks guys,

 

Re: backend. I was returning from Luton airport a few months back, and although raining, the rear end got very happy in the power slide config :). But seriously, not very funny if it's not on purpose right.

 

Re: tram lines, I understand what you're saying, it's just the effect seems far too pronounced and other cars I've driven with wider fronts simply do not have this much of an issue.

 

So, if it's a combination of the lower U/J and the HICAS bearing then so be it. Should I just have the HICAS removed now or is it worth fixing?

 

I've not driven another Z, but I bet most of you guys feel pretty confident when you put your foot down - that you'll launch straight and slow down straight - without the feeling that the car has a mind of its own :)

 

Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

 

Alex

The HICAS is worth fixing. It does work well when the outer and inner joints are in sound order. Removal is more work for what real reward and you still need the ball joints in good order plus your insurer will consider it a mod which needs extra premium.

 

The rear shocks must also be in good condition otherwise the bouncing exaggerates the bad rear steer effects. Also the rear toe in might need checking. If this is out you get a world of bad tyre wear and weird handling.

I had trouble with the rear end trying to step out under normal driving. The guys here told me to change the rear shocks, it's like a new car now.

the lower front ball joints can also cause similar problems

Thanks for the views/experiences. Either way, gotta' get it fixed...don't think I can potter about like a girl any longer... :)