BigJ Posted April 30, 2010 Share Posted April 30, 2010 Ok so heres the problem. I just got a n/a 86 z31 and when driving the steering wheel is extremely stiff and hard to turn and when you do turn it gets stuck and has to be forced back straight again. I checked the fluid level and it was fine. I was thinking that it might be the rack itself or the pump gone bad, but the pump wouldnt cause it to stick would it? I also know that it needs an allignment as the front tires are both worn on the inside, but i dont want to get it alligned without fixing the steering problem. Any ideas would be a huge help. Thanks John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger.svoboda Posted May 1, 2010 Share Posted May 1, 2010 could be something binding up. Jack up the front end so both wheels are hanging in the air. You should be able to grab a tire and force the steering lock to lock by hand. Be sure the key is in so you don't have the ignition lock stopping things. Have someone move wheels with the steering wheel and watch what happens. There have been posts by people who found the u joints in the stering column to be bad and caused hard steering. They come apart pretty easy. Couple of lock bolts to come out and probably some hammer work to move it on the splines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregmatic Posted May 1, 2010 Share Posted May 1, 2010 could be either the rack & pinion or the steering shaft u-joint which often goes bad on these cars. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJ Posted May 1, 2010 Author Share Posted May 1, 2010 Where is the u-joint located at so i know where im looking. Also where would i buy on of these if it does need replaced. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregmatic Posted May 2, 2010 Share Posted May 2, 2010 Its located between the firewall and the rack, easy to spot. It is actually right off of the rack as it attaches to splined section of the rack. New form Nissan is big bucks ($250+) IIRC, used is the way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger.svoboda Posted May 3, 2010 Share Posted May 3, 2010 it is on the end of the steering column between that and the rack. I don't understand how you could wear one out. I've got 250+K on an 85t and my 83 n/a. They are both in fine shape. Took them off just to look after posts on people having worn them out. Maybe a kid sitting there every day moving it lock to lock about 10 times? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJ Posted May 3, 2010 Author Share Posted May 3, 2010 Yeah like i said i just got the car so I don't know the history to well. Im gonna check it out if the weather ever cooperates with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJ Posted May 4, 2010 Author Share Posted May 4, 2010 Ok got it up on the lift today and the u-joint is completely gone. Im gonna try to find a new one or at least a used one. Thanks for all your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger.svoboda Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 might check with roger at zbarn he is in tennessee. Other wise local junkyard. Don't think dealer have it any more. Maybe courtesy nissan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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