Bump steer or other issue?

[ga16lucino]

After putting 20-30k miles on the Road Magnet / AGX setup, i'm still just as enthusiastic about it as i was in the first week. I have, however, noticed an issue that may be a result of the stiff springs/dampers, due to an undiagnosed power steering issue, or both (i'm leaning towards both).

On my 60 mile daily commute, i experience considerable bump steer on certain sections of highway where joints on bridges are open, or road surfaces change. I've read some solutions such as control arm bushings (i have ES ones that arent installed), tie bar, and the adj. bump steer kit from bolt in bars.

The other issue is that when i am trying to correct the steering from the initial hit and rebound, the steering response isnt always predictable. I dont know if its just our crappy sentra power steering, or if there may be a leak somewhere.

I love the ride. The car doesnt become unsettled by any means on the big hits, but i want to know what the most effective and affordable solution would be. and what i could do to try and diagnose this problem further?

I'd just like to have the car feel a little less twitchy and track straighter through the imperfections.

[BoxedFox]

I'm inclined to think worn bushings and / or tie rods are contributing to a good portion of that.

I'd go ahead and install the ES lower control arm bushings (at least the blocky ones that go on the back of the control arm). Those are pretty much worn out on every B14 out there by now, and they don't have a whole lot of rigidity to begin with. I would also check for wear in your outer tie rods and play in your inner tie rods, and replace those if necessary. After all that's done, finish it off with an alignment.

It's a bit of work, but it's really something that you should do anyway if you want your car to feel responsive. May as well do it and get it over with.

[ga16lucino]

Cool. Thanks! I have been putting off tearing down the front suspension for a while now because i didnt want to have to redo the alignment again.

I've been toying w/ the idea of buying toe and camber plates and learning to do my own alignment. I had a shop do one a few months ago and it was expensive, and they didnt do a very good job (granted there isnt much adjustment.. but still...).

I'm going to check the pieces you suggested, pop in the new bushings, and do an alignment in the next couple weeks.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[BoxedFox]

Originally Posted by ga16lucino

Cool. Thanks! I have been putting off tearing down the front suspension for a while now because i didnt want to have to redo the alignment again.

I've been toying w/ the idea of buying toe and camber plates and learning to do my own alignment. I had a shop do one a few months ago and it was expensive, and they didnt do a very good job (granted there isnt much adjustment.. but still...).

I'm going to check the pieces you suggested, pop in the new bushings, and do an alignment in the next couple weeks.

Thanks for your suggestions!

If you have a flat, level surface to work on, I'd definately start doing your own alignments. Toe plates are like $50, and it's a surprisingly simple process once you get used to it.

Good luck!