300ZX (Z32) Brakes, Wheels, Suspension and Chassis Discussions related to performance suspension, wheels, brakes and chassis for the 90-96 300ZX

shaking steering wheel

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Old Jul 13, 2004 | 12:30 AM
  #1  
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shaking steering wheel

I had some shaking/vibration with my steering wheel, so I figured get a balance and a rotation. Well, it hasn't gone away. What other things can cause this. I gave the wheels a good push/pull to see if the tie rods were stripped. There was no play. Thanks.
Old Jul 13, 2004 | 09:02 AM
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Check you Tension Rods, the rubber part is filled with a liquid and it will leak out, causing play in your front suspension. They could still feel tight, but just loose enough to cause a vibration in your steering wheel.
Old Jul 13, 2004 | 09:07 AM
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Either that, or it could be warped front brake rotors. When you mash on the brakes, does the shaking go away? If so, then it's likely the tension rod bushings.
Old Jul 13, 2004 | 04:12 PM
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Are the tension bushings the same thing as the TCR bushings. Because I had my TCR bushings replaced already. The brakes aren't the culprit, I've already ruled that out. Plus it's intermitten and it only happens at 65-75 mph. You think maybe the suspension (shocks/springs) itself might be a winner?
Old Jul 13, 2004 | 04:17 PM
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BTW, the reason I mention springs is because my front camber looks a little off. Since it's not adjustable on our car I figured it could be the springs are shot and it's causing a little weak spot in the normal movement. Or the shocks are shot and allowing the tire to get a bounce started off of a bump and then escelating into a frenzy for a few moments. I don't know, but it's pissing me off and I'm trying to figure it out before it causes any other problems.
Old Jul 13, 2004 | 05:15 PM
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I deleted other thread in Performance/Technical, Jaffi.
please try not to double post in various sections. thanks.
Old Jul 13, 2004 | 05:39 PM
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I don't know what the TCR bushing is, I can't find any referance about it in the parts or service manual. The manual just calls the bushing that I'm refering to as TENSION ROD BUSHING. It could be the same thing as TCR. Have you though about jacking the front of your car and spin the wheel to see if maybe the tires themselfs are out of round. I did at one time had a set that were out real bad, and was the sourse of my vibration. Have you had the front end aligned? Your rotors, are they new? Have you had them turned for brake job? Sometimes rotors can be warped just enough to make a vibration. If you could get a dial run out gauge, you can check for this with wheel off of car. Wheel bearings. Trying to cover all possibilities. Yes shocks could be another area.

Last edited by topless93; Jul 13, 2004 at 05:41 PM.
Old Jul 14, 2004 | 04:19 AM
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Originally Posted by jaffi
BTW, the reason I mention springs is because my front camber looks a little off. Since it's not adjustable on our car I figured it could be the springs are shot and it's causing a little weak spot in the normal movement. Or the shocks are shot and allowing the tire to get a bounce started off of a bump and then escelating into a frenzy for a few moments. I don't know, but it's pissing me off and I'm trying to figure it out before it causes any other problems.
Do the new shocks and new alignment first Generally this will be the problem after you know that the tires are balanced. At the time of doing the new shocks give a good hard look at all of your steering / suspension components for wear and tear.
Old Jul 14, 2004 | 09:25 AM
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I've never heard of the TCR bushings either. The tension rod runs from your front lower control arms forward to the frame. It's pretty easy to see if you know what you're looking at/for. The tension rod bushings are less expensive than shocks, and the job is easier to do, so I'd rule that out before trying to replace the shocks. It could be your shocks, but if your shocks are that bad, then you'd notice it driving around town. For example, if you hit a pothole it would feel like hit the Grand Canyon. Plus, the car would handle more like a mustang instead of a Z.

Topless could be onto something with the tires. I've heard of this happening. What kind of tires do you have on the car? Also, if the alignment was too far off for too long, then it could've damaged the tires. Look at the tread of the front tires and see if there are spots that appear to have more wear. I had this happen on my car. I had a funky vibration at varying speeds, so I had the alignment set. It improved, but it didn't go away until I replaced the tires.
Old Jul 14, 2004 | 12:13 PM
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If the tires have ever been run low for any length of time it can cause them to get out of round real quick. Had a Brigstone do that on a pick up, my son ran it low and when it was aired up to normal it bounced like crazy.
Old Jul 14, 2004 | 05:46 PM
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first off, sorry Rizz. Won't happen again. Anyway, I have BF Goodrich tires. As far as the alignment goes, I was going to do that anyway for peace of mind. I got sick of troubleshooting and decided to take it to my local Z shop. If they can't find it nobody can. About the TCR bushing thing. It is a rod that keeps the front suspension in place while braking. "T" for tension, "R" for rod. Maybe they decided to add a "C" for control somewhere in there. TCR is the way Nismo has it listed. Anyhoo, I'll find out tomorrow what the deal is and I'll let you guys know.
Old Jul 14, 2004 | 06:10 PM
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Have the drive shaft checked as well. They probably will, but just in case they don't on their own.
Old Jul 14, 2004 | 06:55 PM
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That was done less than 10000 miles ago. Thanks though.
Old Jul 15, 2004 | 08:13 AM
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Your description of the TCR bushing sounds like it is the tension rod bushing. Let us know what you find out.
Old Jul 15, 2004 | 06:55 PM
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yep, tcr is the same as tension rod. Well, the final analysis revealed shot upper links. Got them replaced, got an alignment and they rebalanced my wheels for free. Took it on the road today and didn't stop driving for 45 minutes. I love the way a Z drives, especially when it's problem free. Thanks for all of your input guys. See ya later.
Old Jul 15, 2004 | 06:58 PM
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Oh yeah, I forgot something. The upper link problem also was the culprit for my camber problem.
Old Jul 16, 2004 | 06:35 AM
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TCR --> Tension/Compression Rod

In tension during acceleration, in compression during braking.
Old Jul 23, 2004 | 06:51 PM
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I sort of skimmed the thread but I thought I would suggest these (sorry if they've been used already).

If the wheel shakes when you're slowing down, it's warped rotors.

If it vibrates going about 55-70mph, it could be your driveshaft carrier bushing could be going. Your best bet is to buy the $220 1-peice driveshaft from Z1.
Old Jul 29, 2004 | 11:16 PM
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Or the shaking might be the simplest thing......wheel alignment... i suggest you take it to a tire place and ask them if they can align your wheels and balance them out.

-chuck
Old Jul 30, 2004 | 01:55 AM
  #20  
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hey guys, if you read back a little, you will see that it's fixed. Thanks anyway, though.
Old Jul 30, 2004 | 11:12 PM
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haha, I feel stupid now. Oh well, gotta learn to read the whole posts before I post!
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