Is it possible to do a diagnostic check on the steering of a non turbo 300zx.

 

If it is possible does anybody know how I would go about this?

and what the response codes mean.

 

Cheers

Mick

Not aware of any diagnostic although if there is one then someone will know.

 

What problem are you having ? Someone is bound to have had it before you !

Try http://www.ttzd.com they have some diagnostics in their tech section for steering

Mick

 

...tell us what the symptoms are. I've replace tie rods, disks (as you know) pads, tyres, had tracking done, know about sagging springs, dry shocks and mounting bushes, replaced prop bearing, gearbox mount, and even rotated the cv joints on the prop - so I'm into where the vibration's coming from - so might be able to help.

 

cheerz

 

Jack

My problem is that the steering is heavy 90% of the time. occasionally its ok. its been like this since i got the car way back last year.

 

I have had a few goes sorting it out in the past (removed the speed convertor) but didnt make any difference.

 

My speedo works 100% of the time, so it cant be the speed sensor.

 

I understand that the steering on these babies are pritty complex and reley on several sensors.

 

1. speed sensor

2. Clutch sensor

3. Gear selection sensor

4. A break sensor.

 

I have a worn universal joint that connects the rack to the cloumn, I cant see how that is the problem. but it will be replaced in a few days anyhow.

 

The other thing that i think could cause the problem is the powersteering pump belt, i suppose this could be loose? does anybody know how tight it should be.

 

Does anybody have any other ideas. on how i could check the sensors? or if there is something that i am overlooking.

 

Cheers

Mick

A worn UJ can give heavy steering - I had it on an orion. Although odd that it's not all the time.

 

I'm not sure about all those sensors you mention but speed sensor is definitely involved. However, as you've spotted, if speedo is OK and you don't have a dodgy convertor then that's less likely to be your problem.

 

I would wait until you've sorted the UJ and then if that doesn't sort it start playing with sensots & connectors.

 

Is it heavy as in no power assistance or just heavier than you'd expect ?

its heavy as in failsafe mode, so still is assisted but much less

Mick

 

...afraid you've lost me on this one. If it's not the speed sensor the my money is on the rack. The belt needs to be reasonably tight, but if it was too slack then you'd hear it squeal at start-up especially when it's damp. I don't know of pump's giving up, but racks definately.

 

Someone on here must have experience of replacing a steering rack - lets hope you get a definitive answer. If you don't, you could always fit skinny front tyres and inflate them to 60psi - or, fit 2 pace savers, that should do it...

 

good luck

 

Jack

Could be a bad connection on the PS pressure switch I suppose. It's located on the metal feed pipe to the rack - look on the underside of the car, drivers side, near the starter motor - you should see the metal pipe feeding the rack with a sensor and wire coming away from it. Is this in good condition?

 

HTH

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy