S13 Shake problem

[paemt6220]

I have a 93 240sx se coupe. I just bought it. It has a shake above about 40 mph. The streering wheel moves back and forth. this problem seems to be related to this next problem. Also, when I go over bumps or around corners the car jerks back and forth very slightly. The only way I can describe it is it feels like one of the wheels is loose. They aren't. Its not anything related to brakes. Just had all new rotors, pads and rear calibers. fronts were checked and are ok. Had problem before new brakes also. I thought about HICAS because it seems like the back is what is moving back and forth but Im not sure if my car has it, How can I check?

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Dori Dori]

Ok, first of all, if you're rollin on stock struts, they're blown. This will contribute to your problems but it's definitely not the only thing wrong. You can look into replacement struts or just get a coilover kit. There are hundreds of options here. To find out which one is best, tell us what you plan on doing with your car and how thick your wallet is. That floaty feeling in the rear should go away once you replace your struts.

Second, all your ball joints and bushings are blown (again, if they're all OEM). This will also contribute to your problems. The first part you should replace IMHO should be your tension rods followed by tie rods (inner and outer). Before I replaced any other bushings in my car, I did just this and my ride quality improved dramatically. Then get an alignment. I recommend SPL for the parts.

Third, have you had your wheels and tires balanced? Are your tires still good? Are any wheels bent? Any of these problems can cause unwelcome vibration issues.

I'm sure I forgot some things, but I'm sick of typing now.

Oh, and if you want to know if you have hicas, look at your steering column...there would be a Hicas indicator there if you did. Also, you'd have tie rods and a steering rack on the rear of your car...hard to miss if you peek under.

[toledo240]

i agree with dori. also check your bushings on your tc rods and aso look and see how bad you tie rod ends look.

[skydragoness]

Also have an alignment done/wheels balanced. Sounds like your'e in store for new suspension goodies!