Hey all, I'm new to Z cars. Just bought an 81 280zx today. I've noticed however the steering wheel vibrates pretty badly when I need to turn, and there is a lot of play in it. Also the front end sometimes makes a popping sound when I turn the wheels. Anyone know what part of the front end this could be? Any help for this newbie would greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

well, my sisters honda civic from the 80's steering wheel shakes when it idles, and we know it's the motor mounts causing that, maybe you could be having the same problem.

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Most likely ball joints or tension rods... hop under there and take a look. The front suspension is pretty simple.

 

do you know another name for the tension rods? i'm looking on parts house sites and cannot find anything in their search engines for "tension rods"

 

http://nissan4u.com/parts/280zx/us_s...llustration_3/

#34: Rod tension



Here is the other ill just in case you need it...

http://nissan4u.com/parts/280zx/us_s...llustration_1/

 

It could also be a bad idler arm. Mines an '80 and it shakes at 40mph.

 

you should probably replace the outer tie rod ends, ball joints and put in a set of poly bushings. that will probably cure it unless you see something that is obviously broken. but doing that anyway if you are keeping the car will make your driving easier. Is there power steering fluid in the reservoir.

 

oh the other thing is it only shakes when i turn.....not necessarily when i'm getting up to speed.