Steering Wheel Vibrations!

[21nemesis]

I've been trying to trouble shoot this problem for a few months now. At speeds of 55mph+, the steering wheel vibrates. The wheels have been balanced and suspension has been aligned. I'm starting to think it may be the wheel bearing(s). Any ideas/thoughts?

[sx moneypit]

You possibly could have a tire that is slightly out of round. I would recheck the tire balance also.

[ReX2SX]

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[21nemesis]

Just got brand new tires about a month ago. No matter what tires go on them, it doesn't help.

[Klits562]

Just got brand new tires about a month ago. No matter what tires go on them, it doesn't help.

I dont think the wheel bearings would cause this but im not 100% on that one.
usually the main cause of this is a out of balance wheel or an out of balance tire sometimes the tires get bulges in them or become uneven.
The only thing that i can think of thats kinda a crazy idea but is your car salvaged or has it ever had any severe body damage especially to the front? Maybe your frame isnt straight but i dont know if that would cause vibration.
Try jacking up the front of the car and examine all your bushings check your tie rods too make sure theres no freeplay in the wheels or any other steering parts.

[compactfean]

I'm having the same exact issue. Balanced tires new tie rods recent alignment. My next thing is the strut bearings. Mine are making noise when I make hard turns and I've heard they can cause all sorts of problems.

[Second Shadow]

has anyone checked the ball joints? if either of the fronts are going out I can see that causing this.

[Andy4106]

inner tie rods. done.

[the converted]

Borrow a friends wheels and see if it goes away. I'd put my money on bent wheels.

[ghx407]

Assuming you have no bent/broken parts, the cause may be any one or more of these:
TC rod bushings
LCA bushings
Steering rack bushings
Loose wheel
Ball joints
Outer tie rods
Inner tie rods
Loose bolts in front suspension or subframe
Wheel bearings
Unbalanced wheels/tires
Uneven wear in tires
Warped rotors
Misalignment
Steering rack friction requires adjustment

[srpowered240sx]

Assuming you have no bent/broken parts, the cause may be any one or more of these:
TC rod bushings
LCA bushings
Steering rack bushings
Loose wheel
Ball joints
Outer tie rods
Inner tie rods
Loose bolts in front suspension or subframe
Wheel bearings
Unbalanced wheels/tires
Uneven wear in tires
Warped rotors
Misalignment
Steering rack friction requires adjustment

so what youre saying is it could be anything under the car.....kind of vague.

i had this exact problem in my 240 for a year or so. tried balancing tires, tried different wheels, tried alignments, but none seemed to fix it. then i switched to 5 lug so i could clear my big brakes, (new hubs, and new wheels/tires), fixed the problem. no more shaky wheel. if you have tried a complete different set of wheels and tires off of a 240 that DOESNT shake, and the problem is still there, do wheel bearings. mine didnt make any noise, and i would not have changed them if i didnt have to do a 5lug swap, but they still fixed the problem. good luck

[ghx407]

Assuming you have no bent/broken parts, the cause may be any one or more of these:
TC rod bushings
LCA bushings
Steering rack bushings
Loose wheel
Ball joints
Outer tie rods
Inner tie rods
Loose bolts in front suspension or subframe
Wheel bearings
Unbalanced wheels/tires
Uneven wear in tires
Warped rotors
Misalignment
Steering rack friction requires adjustment

so what youre saying is it could be anything under the car.....kind of vague.

i had this exact problem in my 240 for a year or so. tried balancing tires, tried different wheels, tried alignments, but none seemed to fix it. then i switched to 5 lug so i could clear my big brakes, (new hubs, and new wheels/tires), fixed the problem. no more shaky wheel. if you have tried a complete different set of wheels and tires off of a 240 that DOESNT shake, and the problem is still there, do wheel bearings. mine didnt make any noise, and i would not have changed them if i didnt have to do a 5lug swap, but they still fixed the problem. good luck

I am not being vague. I am presenting a list of parts that upon wear or malfunction would result in the symptoms the OP describes. Upon verifying each of the above parts, the OP can narrow down the cause of the vibrations.

As you suggest, it might be the wheel bearings that are causing the problem. But changing wheel bearings is not going to correct the vibrations if, for example, the TC bushings are busted or his outer tie rod ends are worn.

[srpowered240sx]

I am not being vague. I am presenting a list of parts that upon wear or malfunction would result in the symptoms the OP describes. Upon verifying each of the above parts, the OP can narrow down the cause of the vibrations.

As you suggest, it might be the wheel bearings that are causing the problem. But changing wheel bearings is not going to correct the vibrations if, for example, the TC bushings are busted or his outer tie rod ends are worn.

good point. i'm just trying to help him dechipher the situation. and telling him every suspension part may be a culprit is just vague. dont take offense, im not trying to knock your post. if the op had an alignment done, a reputable shop would have told him about any part they touched if it had issues, its the law, they have to say something, and they love to, because it means more business.

i was just posting because i had the same problem and fixed it. im not telling the op that his bearings are out and he needs to change them, just telling him that it fixed my steering wheel vibration.

[21nemesis]

OK, well here goes. All the info that I can remember off the top of my head:

2 sets of wheels tried
SPC Tension Rods with Poly-urethane bushings
New outter tie rods (as suggested by tire shop)
All bushings replaced with Poly-urethane ones
New tires (balanced)
Proper front suspension alignment
No frame damage

That's all that I can think of right now. But, this is great! Keep the ideas coming. The car is at my mechanics, getting head work done, and I've asked him to have a look at the suspension to see if he can diagnose the issues. I will let him know of the ideas you all are coming up with.

Thanks!

[ghx407]

Nissan released a Technical Service Bulletin on this issue. Here goes:

**********TSB**********

1989 Nissan-Datsun 240SX 4-2389cc 2.4L SOHC MFI (KA24E)

Top - Vehicle
Steering and Suspension
. Technical Service Bulletins
. . All Technical Service Bulletins
. . . Steering Wheel Shimmy

.



Steering Wheel Shimmy
Classification:
ST93-002

Section:
Steering

Reference:
TECHNICAL BULLETIN NTB93-066

Models:
All 240SX(S13)

Date:
April 1, 1993

240SX(S13) STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY

APPLIED MODELS:
All Model Year 240SX(S13)

APPLIED VIN; HICAS; DATE:
JN1HS34N(*)W300146 - Coupe; HICAS=no; 6/4/92
JN1HS36N(*)W300198 - H/B; HICAS=no; 6/4/92
JN1HS34N(*)W300384 - H/B; HICAS=Yes; 6/12/92.
JN3HS - Convt.; HICAS=no;.

SERVICE INFORMATION:
Some owners of 240SX vehicles built before the Applied VIN may complain about steering wheel shimmy while driving at approximately 55 mph. The wheel shimmy complaint can usually be resolved by balancing the front tires. However, in those cases where the complaint is not resolved by this repair, adjustment of the steering rack friction may be necessary.

SERVICE PROCEDURE:1. Road test vehicle to verify that the customer's complaint is steering wheel shimmy [slight rotational vibration of the steering wheel at approximately 55 mph] and that it occurs without braking.

2. Verify that the steering rack, rods, and joints are secure and the steering system is within specification.

3. Balance the front tires with an on-car balancer, if available; otherwise, use a calibrated off-car dynamic balancer.

4. Perform another road test of vehicle. If shimmy is not resolved, it will be necessary to adjust the steering rack friction.

5. Remove the steering rack adjusting screw. Clean the adjusting nut of any remaining locking sealant. Reassemble the lock nut to the adjusting screw with the lock nut backed off fully.

6. Replace the spring with P/N 48237-10V02. This is a direct replacement, original-equipment part. Be sure the spring washers remain in place, in the same orientation.

7. Coat the adjusting screw with Loctite 272 Threadlocker or equivalent and screw into the rack. Tighten the lock nut finger-tight.

8. Torque the adjusting screw to 43-52 inch-pounds.

9. Loosen the adjusting screw, then, lightly tighten by hand.
NOTE:
The actual torque value for this screw is 0.43 to 1.74 inch-pounds.

10. Move the rack through its full travel, left and right, several times.

11. Center the rack in the "straight-ahead" position. With road wheels off the ground, turn the steering wheel a half turn in each direction to find the maximum friction spot. Stop at the maximum friction spot.

12. Loosen the adjusting screw, then torque screw to 43-52 inch-pounds.

13. Loosen the adjusting screw approximately 40 degrees (just shy of 1/8 turn).

14. Prevent movement of the adjusting screw and torque the lock nut to 29-52 inch-pounds.

15. Test drive on a level road to verify that the steering wheel returns to center when the steering wheel is released from a turn (approximately 20 degrees). Also, verify that the steering shimmy was corrected by driving on the road surface where the incident was diagnosed.

16. If less pre-load is needed (to achieve steering wheel return-to-center after a turn)- based upon the results of the test drive detailed in Step 15, you may loosen the pre-load position of the adjusting screw, up to the 90 degree position.


Or, if more pre-load is needed to reduce shimmy, you may tighten the adjusting nut up to the 20 degree position.

NOTE:
The pre-load range of adjustment is 20-90 degrees loose, from the baseline established at Step 11.

17. Road test, again, to confirm shimmy complaint is resolved and steering wheel will return to center after a turn.

18. If the above procedure is not successful, please call the FIXS Hotline for assistance.


PARTS INFORMATION:

NOTE
This is a standard replacement part number; it is not a countermeasure/revised part.

Part Description Free Length Part Number
Spring-Retainer 27.9 mm 48237-10V02

[21nemesis]

Holy shnikies!

[21nemesis]

Nissan released a Technical Service Bulletin on this issue. Here goes:

**********TSB**********

1989 Nissan-Datsun 240SX 4-2389cc 2.4L SOHC MFI (KA24E)

Top - Vehicle
Steering and Suspension
. Technical Service Bulletins
. . All Technical Service Bulletins
. . . Steering Wheel Shimmy

.



Steering Wheel Shimmy
Classification:
ST93-002

Section:
Steering

Reference:
TECHNICAL BULLETIN NTB93-066

Models:
All 240SX(S13)

Date:
April 1, 1993

240SX(S13) STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY

APPLIED MODELS:
All Model Year 240SX(S13)

APPLIED VIN; HICAS; DATE:
JN1HS34N(*)W300146 - Coupe; HICAS=no; 6/4/92
JN1HS36N(*)W300198 - H/B; HICAS=no; 6/4/92
JN1HS34N(*)W300384 - H/B; HICAS=Yes; 6/12/92.
JN3HS - Convt.; HICAS=no;.

SERVICE INFORMATION:
Some owners of 240SX vehicles built before the Applied VIN may complain about steering wheel shimmy while driving at approximately 55 mph. The wheel shimmy complaint can usually be resolved by balancing the front tires. However, in those cases where the complaint is not resolved by this repair, adjustment of the steering rack friction may be necessary.

SERVICE PROCEDURE:1. Road test vehicle to verify that the customer's complaint is steering wheel shimmy [slight rotational vibration of the steering wheel at approximately 55 mph] and that it occurs without braking.

2. Verify that the steering rack, rods, and joints are secure and the steering system is within specification.

3. Balance the front tires with an on-car balancer, if available; otherwise, use a calibrated off-car dynamic balancer.

4. Perform another road test of vehicle. If shimmy is not resolved, it will be necessary to adjust the steering rack friction.

5. Remove the steering rack adjusting screw. Clean the adjusting nut of any remaining locking sealant. Reassemble the lock nut to the adjusting screw with the lock nut backed off fully.

6. Replace the spring with P/N 48237-10V02. This is a direct replacement, original-equipment part. Be sure the spring washers remain in place, in the same orientation.

7. Coat the adjusting screw with Loctite 272 Threadlocker or equivalent and screw into the rack. Tighten the lock nut finger-tight.

8. Torque the adjusting screw to 43-52 inch-pounds.

9. Loosen the adjusting screw, then, lightly tighten by hand.
NOTE:
The actual torque value for this screw is 0.43 to 1.74 inch-pounds.

10. Move the rack through its full travel, left and right, several times.

11. Center the rack in the "straight-ahead" position. With road wheels off the ground, turn the steering wheel a half turn in each direction to find the maximum friction spot. Stop at the maximum friction spot.

12. Loosen the adjusting screw, then torque screw to 43-52 inch-pounds.

13. Loosen the adjusting screw approximately 40 degrees (just shy of 1/8 turn).

14. Prevent movement of the adjusting screw and torque the lock nut to 29-52 inch-pounds.

15. Test drive on a level road to verify that the steering wheel returns to center when the steering wheel is released from a turn (approximately 20 degrees). Also, verify that the steering shimmy was corrected by driving on the road surface where the incident was diagnosed.

16. If less pre-load is needed (to achieve steering wheel return-to-center after a turn)- based upon the results of the test drive detailed in Step 15, you may loosen the pre-load position of the adjusting screw, up to the 90 degree position.


Or, if more pre-load is needed to reduce shimmy, you may tighten the adjusting nut up to the 20 degree position.

NOTE:
The pre-load range of adjustment is 20-90 degrees loose, from the baseline established at Step 11.

17. Road test, again, to confirm shimmy complaint is resolved and steering wheel will return to center after a turn.

18. If the above procedure is not successful, please call the FIXS Hotline for assistance.


PARTS INFORMATION:

NOTE
This is a standard replacement part number; it is not a countermeasure/revised part.

Part Description Free Length Part Number
Spring-Retainer 27.9 mm 48237-10V02

Wouldn't this be covered by Nissan's warranty, since it only effected particular models? Much like a recall?

[ReX2SX]

Wouldn't this be covered by Nissan's warranty, since it only effected particular models? Much like a recall?

Hes probably out of warranty by like 10yrs, haha. But seriously, not all TSBs are recalls.

[21nemesis]

Ok guys, so I bought a set of hub centric rings in hopes that it would help, and oh boy, did IT! So, if you don't have them on your aftermarket wheels, GET THEM!

I got them @ VarrsToen (Speak to Navith)
12207 Los Nietos Rd. Unit C
Santa Fe Springs, Ca 90670
M-F 9:00am-5:00pm

Email: [email protected]
Tel: 562-698-8215 (Ask for Navith)
Fax: 562-698-8216