Just got a 90 HB 240sx 5 speed.....steering question??????

[x8ver2006]

Changed brake pads in the front and driving 45mph car all of sudden goes right then jumps back into straight line. Ok I then changed front disc's still same problem. This is the thing it has happen twice both times comes out of the blue. There was no braking no bumps just over or around 40 mphs. The scary thing it just happens. Ive had many nissans and hoopties never had this dilema. Ive looked at suspension everything looks good no rust pretty well maintained. I was thinking the calipers???? wht you think????????

[S14KoukiMonster]

Did you rebuild/replace your calipers? If no-The square cut O-ring that helps retract the piston back into the brake housing might be shot on the right side. I would GUESS that when you let off the brake pedal the left one retracts, but the right one sticks sometimes. If this is the case, it will only get worse!

Whenever I do a brake job I ALWAYS-

Replace pads(obviously)Install new rotors/ Or machine old one if within min. thickness specs.Install new Calipers/Or rebuild old ones

Never install new pads on old un-machined rotors

I"M NOT SAYING THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM, BUT IT"S THE BEST ADVICE I COULD GIVE BASED ON YOUR DESCRIPTION.

[x8ver2006]

Thanks .........S14KoukiMonster

No I did not replace Caliper and the right side is looking foul when I changed discs and pads the O ring was out and was harder than usual to push back with the c-clap. The disc was so rusty that I had to use no. 14 screws to thread in and it cracked the disc into pieces. Horrible never had to that before in all my car experience. I am going to buy new calipers ASAP because its a scary thing when the car jumps right it almost feels like it is going to spin out of control. Very scary.....Now I need to see how the back brakes are doing. Thanks for your advice.

[Red coupe]

you go buy a new/reman caliper EVERY time you change pads? Did you lubricate the caliper pins? If its been a while the caliper can stick and stay partialy applied, but If you said that it happens in the middle of cruising then It would seem strange for it to be the brakes. Something had to initiate it though let off the throttle? give it more? change in road camber...something?How many times have you had it happen?

[SeVa-S13]

Whenever I do a brake job I ALWAYS-

Replace pads(obviously)Install new rotors/ Or machine old one if within min. thickness specs.Install new Calipers/Or rebuild old ones

Never install new pads on old un-machined rotors

I"M NOT SAYING THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM, BUT IT"S THE BEST ADVICE I COULD GIVE BASED ON YOUR DESCRIPTION.

Don't forget to change your oil at every fill-up.

[S14KoukiMonster]

Don't forget to change your oil at every fill-up.

That pisses me off!!!

Yeah I go through a set of brakes every week or 2 you dumbshyt.(like a tank of gas) Obviously you don't take care of your car as well as I do then.If you think spending $20 to rebuild your calipers is dumb, don't do it then.

Why do think calipers seize? Improper maintenance. Then your pads start to wear unevenly, or your brakes overheat warping your rotors and glazing your pads.(SWEET- Now you get to buy all new pads, rotors and calipers again) TOO BAD YOU DIDN"T REBUILD OR REPLACE YOUR CALIPERSIT TAKES 20 MINUTES TO DO BOTH CALIPERS- How lazy are you?

Do you work in the industry? Have you ever worked as an auto tech? I do.

I STAND BY MY ORIGINAL STATEMENT!!! If you don't agree, and you think I'm an idiot, then your opinion is invalid to me.

Me---> <---YOU

[Red coupe]

If your rebuilding of a caliper makes it last only as long as a set of brakes maybe you would be best to just leave them alone...Regardless If you wanna go to the extremities of playing it safe that is ok but don't insist that some one go out and spend a bunch of money they don't need to. Almost every problem with calipers seizing I read on this forum has to do with failure to lubricate the caliper pins, so that as the brake releases one side sticks, the caliper starts to twist and gets jambed...

[S14KoukiMonster]

Red Coupe----Rebuiding your calipers will FOR SURE last longer than a set of brakes, I never said they wouldn't. Also, I never INSISTED that anyone do anything, I'm simply stating MY opinion. How is spending $20 more (for new square-cut o-rings and dust boots to rebuild your brakes) alot of money.

You are correct about the slider bolts binding too though, but it doesn't happen in almost every case,regardless of who makes what post. Re-lubricating those would be done during rebuild regardless.

Anyway............. I'm not here to argue. If you don't like my advice, then don't take it. Simple as that. But don't criticize me for POSITIVE advice. If I said to do something completely stupid that makes absolutely no sense then by all means tear my head off-However I wouldn't do that.(check-I've replied to several posts in the 240tech and brake/susp. categories on several issues.)

CASE CLOSED

SeVa-s13-- If you're a technician aswell, I can't understand how you could think it's a dumb idea AND criticize me for trying to help someone Oh well maybe I was a tad defensive in my previous reply, but at the time I was pissed.( I HAVE ANGER MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS!!!jk) Anyway, no hard feelings man.

[JORDAN S14]

Yeah it IS easier to post a sarcastic commeny than help someone.

I've seen other replies by seva-s13 and most of them are like this!!!

[McRussellPants]

So. a steering problem that occurs at random while cruisng down the highway = caliper rebuild?

if it was binding the piston wouldn't just shoot out while pimpin down the highway.

Its most likely in the steering rack or tie rods, maybe a bushing is ****ed somewhere.

[Zion8561]

I have had that problem on my 1st vehicle. 88 Dodge raider<--the beast haha. Anyway it would pulled a little to the right at random a few times, then it nearly locked up and sent me off the road. Ended up being a bad front right caliper.

This is a kinda old post so I hope you got it fixed by now, but if not you shouldnt drive it until the problem is found.

Maybe your TC bushing is jacked? Mine were.

[x8ver]

Thanks for the advice from all. I changed the calipers and I still dont feel safe. It feels now when I brake hard the car goes to one side. I know I dont have abs but something just doesnt feel right. Also I can say that the goes straight but the steering wheel is off I need an alignment. Can you tell about the tie rods I looked underneath and everything looks pretty good. Am I missing something..... I might need a need suspension and lower a couple of inches.

thanks jl

[Zion8561]

Check the Ball joints and tie rod ends/tie rods. If the boot is torn badly or there is excess freeplay then replace them. Definately check the TC rod bushing up front. It is the big one on the bar that connects diagonally to the control arm.

Then get an alignment. Some places wont align car if the parts are worn.

Did you resurface rotors and change the pads when you replaced calipers?

[x8ver]

Yes I did change complete brakes both sides. I am definitely going to check all the things you mentioned for a 16 yr car the parts are a little pricey. But I guess there making the parts for racing/hard driving in mind. I just want it to ride safe.

thanks