Hi,

Got a 300zx Fairlady 91 import Auto non turbo that is in need of some TLC.

My local guy who maintains the car is a Subaru rally specialist so I figure that he knows his way around performance cars, and he has a busy garage and a good rep. So far I have been unable to find a 300zx specialist in the Manchester area?

However, he has problems sourcing parts and this is where hopefully you guys could help.

I need a differential, both front mudflaps (mouldings) can you believe that they got stolen off the car?!!! and possibly a steering rack. Possibly, because as yet a full investigation of intermittent (bit more than intermittent now) power steering loss has not taken place. Maybe you could throw some light on this issue?

Anyways, the diff. The problem is vibration from the back end, very noticeable at 40/60 mph then eases off. Done all the obvious stuff, wheels balanced, tyres checked, prop shaft rebuilt inc bearings etc, drive shafts cursory inspection, seem OK. So it kinda points to the diff? Maybe you have one or at least some good advice.

At this point you are probably thinking why he's bothering? Well, I reckon that you can understand that out of all the cars I have owned this one is I have fallen in love with..............sad ain't it? I've had quicker cars, new cars even but this one .........ok enough of all that.

Can you guys help?

Kind regards,

Byard Thomason.

:xxx:

There are a few Z specialists in the Manchester area. C&S Woods on the East Lancs, GPS in Leigh near Wigan, Hiteq in Wigan.

 

I know you have your mechanic who you trust, but with specific problems like this it is always best to let some one who knows the car to have a look as the problems you are having sound very Z specific. You Subaru mechanic would be good for the more universal problems.

 

For quality used parts, check out AndyZ in the traders section. Its a hell of a lot cheaper than buying new.

 

The power steering problem us usually caused but the speed converter on the dash which changes KPH to MPH on the dial. Because the powersteering is speed sensitive, it will get confused if bad speed signals are being set the the ECU.. It could be faulty or needs rewiring. Probably best to get a new one.

 

The vibration from the rear of the car at 40-60mph could be something wrong with the HICAS. Is there any play on the HICAS arms or on the wheels its self?

 

Hope this helps.

P.S. There is a ZX meeting at a pub on the East Lancs Liverpool way. Its probably 15 miles away from Manchester. You going to join us? Looks like there will be about 20 300ZXs there and possibly a 350Z.

 

Stuart

 

Hi,

Got a 300zx Fairlady 91 import Auto non turbo that is in need of some TLC.

My local guy who maintains the car is a Subaru rally specialist so I figure that he knows his way around performance cars, and he has a busy garage and a good rep. So far I have been unable to find a 300zx specialist in the Manchester area?

However, he has problems sourcing parts and this is where hopefully you guys could help.

I need a differential, both front mudflaps (mouldings) can you believe that they got stolen off the car?!!! and possibly a steering rack. Possibly, because as yet a full investigation of intermittent (bit more than intermittent now) power steering loss has not taken place. Maybe you could throw some light on this issue?

Anyways, the diff. The problem is vibration from the back end, very noticeable at 40/60 mph then eases off. Done all the obvious stuff, wheels balanced, tyres checked, prop shaft rebuilt inc bearings etc, drive shafts cursory inspection, seem OK. So it kinda points to the diff? Maybe you have one or at least some good advice.

At this point you are probably thinking why he's bothering? Well, I reckon that you can understand that out of all the cars I have owned this one is I have fallen in love with..............sad ain't it? I've had quicker cars, new cars even but this one .........ok enough of all that.

Can you guys help?

Kind regards,

Byard Thomason.

:xxx:

n/a dont have hicas does it?

Oh yeah. Didnt notice the NA bit ;)

Hey Stuart,

Many thanks for the help and advice. Let me know the details of this Z meeting and I will certainly be in attendance.

Cheers,

Byard.

I would say sort out your steering problems then attack the vibration problem if it is still there!

 

The centre prop mount and the gearbox mount can give similiar problems to the one you are talking about!

 

Maybe try using redline oil in the diff and see if that cures it!

If the speedo hasnt had a convertor put on it then it could also be the speed sensor thats on its way out.

 

Usually the vibration you describe is the prop shaft - but I see you had it rebuilt - if its not the rear tyres out of balance or the shocks, or the HICAS then I'd return to that to check it was done properly. The other cause can be a worn out transmission bush - hold the transmission in the correct place into the prop - these can sag over time and cause the transmission to drive the prop incorrectly.....only costs a few quid for one.

 

I'd probably discount the diff at this point as I dont recall anyone ever having to change their diff on a Z due to a problem.

Byard, When the prop was rebuilt was the correct bearing used? have seen it before in the workshop where an unknowing prop rebuider orders a Nissan Support bearing and gets a Twin Turbo one from their local Nissan dealer unaware that the n/a is different, using the wrong one willl give vibration.

 

Jeff TT

Spacer washers may also be on the wrong side of the CSB - they should be between the body and the CSB NOT the bolt head and the CSB ;)