I have noticed in hard driving, the steering feels kind of floaty. Like, it feels like the front is slipping but I can still turn harder and the car will turn. This is really annoying me.
I want to get more feedback from the steering so that the car feels more planted and stable but I do not want to spend a lot. That means no reccomending a race style steering rack etc. I also want to keep the power steering.
The suspensions mods currently on my S13 are a set of Tein Flex (6F, 5R spring rates) coilovers and Cusco pillowball tension rods. My buddy has noticed the same lack of steering feel in his S13 equipped with D2 (9F 7R) coilovers and Tein pillowball tension rods. This means that its probably not my ‘tame’ springrates that are causing this.
Anyone have any suggestions on what mods I can make to fix this? I still need to get a good alignment but is there anything else? I’m thinking some kind of bushings.
Some of that feel might be comming by way of your tire choice. Sidewall size will determine how “hard” the car feels like its bitting in so you may want to consider that. If your running 60 sidewalls going down to a 50 would prolly make a diffrence. Other then that it could be misc stuff like your steering wheel bushing but other then that I cannot think of much else.
Hmmm, is it hard to change out the steering bushing? And is the bushing that connects the steering rack to where its mounted under the engine?
I should of noted my rims and tire size. I am running ultra sunk high offset 177 +47 Sentra wheels with Continental Contisport 215/45/R17 tires. My other friend with the D2s is running 179 +20 Hanabis with Dunlop FM901 235/40/R17 tires.
The two steering rack bushings are most likely the two most irritating bushings to replace while the engine is still in. There is a round bushing and a tear drop shaped bushing that sit just on top of cross member at the fron that actually wrap around the rack. Getting to and removing the bolts can be very difficult with the engine still in place, but it can be done.
I agree with that, I recenlty replaced these 2 bushings and it took at least 5 hrs!! Such a pain in the ass bc the energy suspension ones that i used are alot stiffer then the stock rubber ones and you cant bend them as easily, and its a tight fit. GL with that
I agree with that, I recenlty replaced these 2 bushings and it took at least 5 hrs!! Such a pain in the ass bc the energy suspension ones that i used are alot stiffer then the stock rubber ones and you cant bend them as easily, and its a tight fit. GL with that[/quote]
If this deteres anyone from installing their Energy Bushings on the steering rack, I will buy them off of you.
Energy suspension makes them. They’re pretty good. JRP prolly has a few sets in stock. And I can’t see them being more than $30 at the most. I know I paid peanuts for them but I got WD price at the time.