Steering or Suspension Problem.... I think! 1994 Q45

[Davis_Mac]

OK, I have searched the forum for related material on this and could not find anything although I am sure something similar is here somewhere.My problem is as follows:1994 Q45 NO full active suspension.

When I am on the highway and decelerate or brake the car begins to feel unstable. I am not familiar with from end problems, but it is sometimes scary to drive. Almost feels like when it is icy out and hitting a stretch of black ice. At regular city speeds I do not notice this symptom. Any ideas at all would be appreciated and thanks in advance Dave

[Jeff Williams]

Sounds like a brake issue. Replace the pads, turn the rotors, clean the calipers and pins and re-grease.

While you are in there, take a good look at the tension rods, if you see cracking or silicone seeping out, replace the bushings.

Also look at the struts and see if either is leaking or if the dust boots are toasted.

The last thing to look for is the upper links. They have bushings in them and tie the third link to the inner fender well. They only last about 60,000 to 100,000 miles and need replacing. You can check for play in the bushings by jacking up the car, and trying to lift and move the front tire by hand.

Depending on the mileage, you might (probably do, if they are original) need new struts.

there is no front-end alignment adjustment on these cars, so as parts wear, the alignment gets off. You have to replace parts to get it back to OEM specs.

Take a look at the diagram below.

[Meaux]

Jeff says, "there is no front-end alignment adjustment on these cars, so as parts wear, the alignment gets off. You have to replace parts to get it back to OEM specs."

If this is true, I'm glad I didn't take it in for an alignment...:-) I've been holding off messin with it, till I found an Alignment Shop to do the job...

Guess I'll start with the Tension Rod bushings...Wonder why Joe's site lists bushings for $50+, and some others are at $15+? I haven't called him yet...

I have a very slight pull to the right, since I changed the wheels and tires...Went to 18" 350Z whels and Avon 245/45 tires.

94Q w/ 81Kmi.

[Davis_Mac]

Thanks for the help guys.... I was almost on the right track. Yes Jeff, the car actually has about 300,000 km on her and I am sure everything on her is pretty close to original. Besides this sudden mushiness in the front end though, what an amazing machine! I love her, and Infiniti has won me for life. Thanks again

Dave

[maxnix]

I am sure everything on her is pretty close to original.

Actually, the parts may be original, but I assure it does not meet as new OEM specifications.

[sijoko]

As the car ages, you will have to replace parts in the front suspension.

The most common part due for replacement is the upper links. These are usually good for around 75 thousand miles or less depending on how bad the roads are in your area.

However, changing them is easy and they are not that expensive if you buy them from Infiniti of Scottsdale.

You also need to look at the other parts on the front such as the kingpin and its bearings, the wheel bearings, tension rod bushings, lower control arm bushings and also the slack in the steering rack.

I have replaced everything in the front of my car within the last year, except for the tension rod bushing.

If your car is lowered or you are running larger wheels and tires, then the wear on the suspension is accelarated.

The service manual shows you how to check the suspension parts for seviceability.

[jamesmost]

Jeff says, "there is no front-end alignment adjustment on these cars, so as parts wear, the alignment gets off. You have to replace parts to get it back to OEM specs."

If this is true, I'm glad I didn't take it in for an alignment...:-) I've been holding off messin with it, till I found an Alignment Shop to do the job...

Guess I'll start with the Tension Rod bushings...Wonder why Joe's site lists bushings for $50+, and some others are at $15+? I haven't called him yet...

I have a very slight pull to the right, since I changed the wheels and tires...Went to 18" 350Z whels and Avon 245/45 tires.

94Q w/ 81Kmi.

I am having some tracking issues as well and Ithink i have narrowed it down to my tires AVON i think they Suck

[Meaux]

jamesmost says, "I am having some tracking issues as well and Ithink i have narrowed it down to my tires AVON i think they Suck"

Dang, that's not good news...because they are a nice riding set of tires.

Jeeze, ain't that the way it goes? All I read were Sterling Reviews on these tires, and here you come along!

:-)

[maxnix]

My Tech M500 are good on a lighter car, but onnt many miles.

But they are no PS2. You get for what you pay.