1992 240sx: SE steering shift during braking

[1968cougar]

I've got an interesting issue that just cropped up. To start it is a 92 240sx SE, power steering, stock suspension, no sway bars, hicas still functioning, aftermarket speedylite 7 wheels 17" on 205/40 17 and ABS brakes. the speedies are from the factory hub centric I didn't have to buy the centrics. Suspension is still all original as far as I know. Car and chassis only has 80k. There is a slight steering wheel vibration at 45-55 but it appears to be wear and not balance. Clears up past that speed.When I start braking my steering wheel shifts about an inch to the right and the steering goes left a bit. This only happens during braking. I ran my local flyover at 90 and steering is solid as ever. If I start depressing the brakes a tad the steering goes left and the wheel shifts right. This is NOT a brake pull. I do not have to hold the wheel to correct. It is a complete shift of the steerings center.

When I come up to a stop light and stop I can feel the wheel shift and it will be slightly right when I'm stopped. It is the oddest thing. Any ideas?Something worn? Loose rack?

Thanks in advance!

Robert

[180fan]

check the tension rod bushings. They take the load when you hit the brakes and one that's worn will have play and will allow your lower control arm to move.

[1968cougar]

I took a quick peak. Don't see any goop. I don't hear any pops or bangs from the suspension and it only happens during braking. I just don't get it. Maybe one of the calipers is sticking? I would imagine that should feel like a pull. This is strictly a street vehicle and my daily so I figured a slight upgrade to Powerslot 403's (abs) and Hawk (street not race) ferro carbon pads would be a good way to go. I don't know if that will clear up my problem though.

Think I will just order the energy suspension bushings from PDM just to update the turkeys. Problem is that I prefer to use high durometer rubber for strut rod type bushings. It would seem that there needs to be some kind of give in that point or you can shear a rod. Especially if that point also has to endure some twisting motion. I've had it happen in my old merc cougar. Snapping a strut rod is not fun. It would seem to jibe if nissan filled it with silicone. Should I be worried or it's all good with the energy suspension bushings?

[1968cougar]

Ok, I said screw it. Bought whiteline bushings, the ps rotors and hawk pads. We;ll see what happens. If anything, they are good safety concious upgrades.....

[rogoman]

The steering rack bushings may be excessively worn causing the rack to shift. Inspect the entire front suspension for worn bushings and ball joints.

The 'pull' generally is caused by uneven brake pad application. There may be air in one of the front hydraulic lines or a caliper is hanging up. When this is combinded with worn suspension parts, a shift can occur.

[1968cougar]

So I had the whiteline bushings installed and the rack checked. Same issue. Maybe I'm just on some crack and it is a brake issue. I have new rotors and pads. I'll install them this weekend and bleed everything. Meh

[1968cougar]

Installed new rotors/pads front, pads on rear, sil brake lubed as normal and bled the brakes. Same thing....

Any ideas? Rack is tight. I did a visual inspection of the front best I could. Could it be the ABS causing it? The HICAS kicking in?This issue mainly happens past say 40 percent on the brake pedal.

I'm at a loss.

Thanks