S13 steering problems

[Rittmeister]

I am having memory steer issues. That is, when I turn the wheel, and go around a corner, then let go of the wheel, it doesn't re-center itself very far, and unless I straighten the car myself it'll keep turning. I've listed below what I've replaced - I didn't put all of these parts on for the memory steering, but it's the only problem that's left, at least.

I have replaced:

Steering rack (rebuilt)
Steering pump (rebuilt)
High pressure line (it was leaking)
tie rods (new)
rod ends (new)
T/C rods (aftermarket, w/spherical bearings)
Lower control arms, with new ball joints and bushings - brand new from PDM
Suspension tophats - also brand new OEM

There isn't much left in the steering system that isn't new now, if anything. Any ideas? Or is this just the reality of a rear-drive car? It's been too long since I drove my old S13, I really don't remember if it behaved this same way or not.

The only other question I have is this - currently there's normal powersteering fluid in the system, NOT ATF. This is because the rebuilt rack stated that it needed p/s fluid and ATF would void the warranty. Thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

TIA.

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by Rittmeister

I am having memory steer issues. That is, when I turn the wheel, and go around a corner, then let go of the wheel, it doesn't re-center itself very far, and unless I straighten the car myself it'll keep turning. I've listed below what I've replaced - I didn't put all of these parts on for the memory steering, but it's the only problem that's left, at least.

I have replaced:

Steering rack (rebuilt)
Steering pump (rebuilt)
High pressure line (it was leaking)
tie rods (new)
rod ends (new)
T/C rods (aftermarket, w/spherical bearings)
Lower control arms, with new ball joints and bushings - brand new from PDM
Suspension tophats - also brand new OEM

There isn't much left in the steering system that isn't new now, if anything. Any ideas? Or is this just the reality of a rear-drive car? It's been too long since I drove my old S13, I really don't remember if it behaved this same way or not.

The only other question I have is this - currently there's normal powersteering fluid in the system, NOT ATF. This is because the rebuilt rack stated that it needed p/s fluid and ATF would void the warranty. Thoughts on that would also be appreciated.

TIA.

Have you done an alignment? After you replace all those front end parts a alignment is needed. As far as the fluid goes Nissan uses and implies you use ATF not power steering fluid. Power steering fluid will cause system leaks on our cars and wreck the racks. Who rebuilt your rack? Do they know anything about Nissan power steering racks?

[Rittmeister]

Rack was rebuilt by Texas Steer, and I had a phone conversation with them about the fluid - according to them the seals they use when they rebuild the thing won't stand up to ATF.

The car was aligned before the LCA/balljoints and tophats. After the alignment, the memory steer was the only problem left (before that was high steering effort and twitchy behavior). That's why I changed the balljoints/tophats, those were the only things left that swivel, that hadn't been replaced.

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by Rittmeister

Rack was rebuilt by Texas Steer, and I had a phone conversation with them about the fluid - according to them the seals they use when they rebuild the thing won't stand up to ATF.

The car was aligned before the LCA/balljoints and tophats. After the alignment, the memory steer was the only problem left (before that was high steering effort and twitchy behavior). That's why I changed the balljoints/tophats, those were the only things left that swivel, that hadn't been replaced.

Well it sounds like Texas steer does not follow spec. See the Rack is supposed to be rebuilt to Nissan factory spec. Using their own seals that are not Nissan factory spec and causes them to recommend non factory spec fluid would make me very apprehensive about the quality of their work. I cannot comment on whats going to happen with your system but I would not be surprised if problems arise due to them. I could be wrong but I would rather be safe than sorry. As far as alignment goes, I would would want to check your alignment again.

[fastforward]

i would check your alignment specs to see what the caster angle is. although it would have to be drastic that can cause this problem. also lift the front of the car off the ground and turn the tires with your hands to check for binding in the front suspension.

[!Zar!]

Most of the time if it's caster, the car will attempt to straighten it's self out in one direction at least. I say take your car in for another alignment.

[whomiked]

Did you ever find out the problem?

[veeates36]

oh shit..now i'm scared cuz i've been using regular power steering fluid..what should i do..? aaarrgghh..i never knew

[Rittmeister]

http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=129441