just checked all the steering + suspension components on the zed,checked lower ball joints (as suggested by jeff tt) these are all fine,track rod end are all ok, did notice the passenger side wheel looks to be towing out (noticbly by eye) even though when i have had tracking checked they say it's only out by a small amount and not enough to cause the issues i have,but advised me not to pay to have the tracking done till i replace the rear steering arms and do the lot then (christ a nissan dealer offering good advice!!!) anyway purely by accident i found it, with the steering in the centre position i have a knocking if i sharply move the steering wheel left to right and i light knocking (as they do in mot test to check for play), i estimate 1/4 inch play between the road wheels starting to move so i'm guessing i have a steering knuckle problem, anyone know is it most likely going to be the lower one?

Most likely is, it's pretty easy to get at and it's held on by two 10mm bolts.

 

p.s. don't lose the plastic spacer!

i wont be fitting it lol just getting the part

Either a worn lower u/j or the rack mounts have gone soft,you still got notchy steering? did you check the lower u/j as i suggested?

Either a worn lower u/j or the rack mounts have gone soft,you still got notchy steering? did you check the lower u/j as i suggested?

 

its not notchy, steering feels fine if static just not right when moving was not cetering by itself and was difficult to steer left or right but only first time (i.e turn left first time its tight/hard but is ok if turning a few left turns in succession same with right hand) but found this play today so hopefully thats the cause would steering rack mounts show other symptoms?