90 240sx suspension issue - and need advice

[gniknave]

90 240sx 118,xxx miles. Bought it about a month ago.

I recently bought some 16" wheels with 205/55-16 tires on them. When I put them on my car I noticed when I'd go over a bump on the left side of my car, it would sway to the right a little bit - almost sliding (unintentionally).

This went on for a while before I decided to rack it up at my buddies shop and do a differential service (didn't think this was related to it though). While it was up, I noticed that the left front strut was extremely close to the tire (the portion where the spring sits). I couldn't even fit my index finger between the strut and the tire. Then I looked at the right side, I could comfortably slide all 4 of my fingers back and actually touch the strut.

Looking at the left strut, it's obvious that it was rubbing on the tire, probably when going over even the slightest bumps - which was causing the swaying - sliding. I didn't notice this at all when I first bought the car (with the stock 15" w/ 195/60-15's.

In fact, the only thing I can fit on the left side front is the stock tire. I put a 195/65-15 on that side and it rubs just as much as the 205/55-16 does.

Question: Does this mean (in most cases) I need to replace the struts, or could there be someting else involved as well?

Advice needed: I was planning on getting some KYB AGX adjustables along with the Eibach pro-kit springs. I'm now questioning if it's really necessary to get adjustables as I don't feel I'll be adjusting often if ever. I don't street or competition race, so I don't know if it's even necessary. However I do want to lower the car just enough to rid myself of the infamous gap. What's the best way to do this without buying unnecessary things? I would also like to prevent the possibility of "bottoming out" when modding the suspension.

As always, your answers and input are appreciated

[NISTECH]

check your tension rods, see if the left front bushing is completely blown out[it leaks fluid every where when it does] If this is not your problem, there a good chance something like your lower control arm is bent.

[gniknave]

If the bushing is blown out, does that mean I need to replace the entire tension rod? Also, is a lower control arm bent due to wear and tear, or is uncommon to see this happen?

Thank you for the quick response

[NISTECH]

yes you would need to replace the entire tension rod.

If your control arm is bent that means it has been hit likely and would need replacement. it is common when a car has hit something, but no they dont get that way from wear.

[s13sr20chris]

1)fix whats bent2)if you drop it you need the stiff shocks and agx is somewhat stiff3)spl makes a darn fine metal tension rod as does tein.

[gniknave]

Thanks to both of you guys.

I racked it up today and saw no serious damage other than the worn tension rod bushings (both sides). Control arm looks to have hit something small on the right side, but the left is near perfect - which is the side I'm having problems with.

My buddy (a mechanic) said to replace the struts first and then check from there as he was too stumped. However I'm still going with the opinion of you Nissan guys instead of the Honda guy

Chris, You say the AGX is "somewhat" stiff. Is that as to say there's something better, or is somewhat good enough? If there's something better, what is it?

Evan

[gniknave]

Well I thought I'd update this. I found the problem. Apperantly the dimwad that owned this car before me replaced each front strut at different times...with different lengths. He also had 4 different tires on the car when I bought it

So I decided to skip the modded suspension and go with some KYB GR-2's with the stock springs in the front. I'll get to the rear later.

Here's some pics (camera phone quality) of the mismatched struts.

This is the left side that was rubbing. We measured from the holes under the base of the strut to the mounting area below. Left side came out less than 4 inches between.

And here's the right side which was more than 4 inches between. The total difference was about a half inch...pretty signifigant huh?

I want to thank you guys again for taking the time to respond to my thread. You all just don't realize how much of a convenience you are to us wannabe DIY guys!

-Evan