I think there's a pattern emerging: where I go, Z32 steering rack's fail =) After already passing over a few 300's (one which was having a new steering rack) I've since found a nice 8yr old that I'm hoping to buy soon.

 

It's had the 'lightweight' RAC check carried out for me (a one-page, 22-point check on the main bits and pieces) which has turned up only two significant issues. The first was a failed air-con, which the garage is sorting out no problem.

 

Second thing is what the RAC guy wrote up as "minor movement off-side rack unit". The car already has a recent MOT, and the RAC guy was confident enough to do the road test. (During my test drive I did notice a bit of vibration in the steering wheel around 60-70mph). The garage has had their mechanic look at the car and say that he didn't really find anything wrong. They're going to call me tomorrow (Friday) and I think its going to be up to me whether I want it as-is, or want to pay for a replacement. So far they've been very upfront and open with me; they seem reasonably trustworthy.

 

My main questions are: does what I described sound like any problem you've encountered? Does it sound like a problem at all, or just an extremely cautious RAC inspector? If the rack did need replacing, what sort of money would I be looking at?

 

Thanks alot,

Raz

 

 

Raz,

 

I havn't heard of many steering racks failing. The common failures that I know of that could cause this is. U-Joint connecting on to the steering rack (check for play in the steering wheel before the wheels actually move). This is easy to fix. Make sure the tension rod bushings are not leaking (they are filled with a silicone based goo). Upper arm bushings and all other bushings for that matter including steering rack bushings. An alignment may also be needed. Any decent mechanic who knows what he is doing should be able to find the problem especially if the rack itself is faulty. Many Z owners on this forum have experienced the same problems i'm sure.

 

Andy

 

Raz,

 

I have just bought a 1992 300ZX import and have, on closer inspection, found exactly the same fault as you describe with the offside wheel. Further investigation showed that the ball joint that is screwed to the end of the steering rack is shagged (if you pull the rubber steering gaiter boot back off the rack assembly towards the wheel and you will see it) There is about 1 to 2 mm of play between the ball and the cup. I also noticed that the tie rod bush is knackered on the same side. There could be a connection here! Maybe a curbing incident, or just fair wear and tear on the bush causing excessive loading and therefore wear on the ball joint.

 

I am looking into the availability of just the ball joint - else its a new rack - ouch! and the new bush. If anyone can tell me were to get these bits it would be appreciated!!

 

Hope this is of some help!

 

I think you mean the inner track rod bearing,

They are priced at about 70 quid each i think from nissan uk, it is not just the bearing but the whole connecting arm.

 

Jack the car up and shake the wheel in and out. If you see the bearing moving under the Gaitor then that is your problem.

 

Rack's are not cheap!

 

Z ya

 

Nico91TT

 

 

 

Good call, guys!

 

Just phoned the garage, with a view to passing your info on to them, and was told that they'd tracked the problem down to... a duff ball joint =)

 

Raz