Hello all,

 

Well, I just picked up my first Zed (import TT manual) and I'm starting to learn about the usual faults...

 

I get the feeling of the rear stepping out to the right when I come off the gas pedal (driving in a straight line), which creates a little wobble. Feels a bit disconcerting to say the least. From searching on here it seems like the HICAS ball joints often wear, but I jacked the rear up (one side at a time) and there doesn't seem to be any noticeable play in the wheels left to right. The rear shocks were replaced not long ago, and the tyre pressures are OK. What else could cause the wobble, or could it still be the HICAS arms even without noticable movement?

 

I tried a HICAS diagnostic with the 5 times steering left to right and 5 times pushing the brake pedal. The rear wheels then steer OK left and right when you turn the wheel.

 

I seemed to get into some other test mode where the rear wheels repeatedly move left then right (engine running, vehicle stationary, HICAS light flashing). While this was happening I couldn't see any play in the HICAS outer ball joints. Then I drove off and the car trailed a nice colourful oil slick for a few yards on the wet road. After a restart the HICAS light was on and the power steering fluid level has dropped to the bottom of the container. The car normally drips something when standing - I don't know what it is yet, but it seems too clean to be engine oil so it could be PAS fluid. My theory is the high pressure PAS pipe under the alternator pulley is leaking, and the HICAS test caused more fluid loss than normal. Does this sound reasonable, or are the HICAS and main steering hydraulics completely unconnected?

 

Thanks for any advice!

 

Tim

Hello mate try the diagnostic test again and when the HICAS dash light flashes count the flashes between the pause go to this site for more info http://www.ttzd.com/tech/hicastech.html

This might tell you the reason for your problem?? I think the HICAS and main steering are both connected and I should imagine the PAS fluid is whats leaking?

Not being a mechanic so not sure on wheel wobble and not sure if the pressure has any effect? Im sure someone will help in time?

If you find that the HICAS power cylinder is screwed I have a spare one which I could sell you if needed??

Hi, thanks for the link! I found out where the leak is coming from - it's the high pressure hose from the PAS pump to the HICAS actuator. Seems to be split halfway along it's length, underneath the foam cover. Now I just need to find out the part number of this hose...

 

I'm still guessing it's the HICAS inner joints causing the rear instability, even though there's no noticeable wheel movement with it jacked up.

If it's the highlighted one the part number is 49720-31P05.

 

 

Ivan

If it's the highlighted one the part number is 49720-31P05.

 

 

Ivan

 

clever git :D

I 'borrowed' the software when I worked for Nissan.

Yes, I think that's it. Thanks! Looks like there's a crimp or something in the middle, so that's probably where it's split.