91 NSX steering not tight, loosened over the years

[robodog]

I have a 91 NSX with over 310k miles on it. Over the years and particularly noticable within the last few months, the steering has become looser and it does not steer as tightly as it used to. Feels like some of the front-end steering components may have too much play? Particularly noticable at speeds over 80.

Any suggestions? Is there such thing as a front-end rebuild kit for NSX?

 

[DRIFTER]

I have a 91 NSX with over 310k miles on it. Over the years and particularly noticable within the last few months, the steering has become looser and it does not steer as tightly as it used to. Feels like some of the front-end steering components may have too much play? Particularly noticable at speeds over 80.

Any suggestions? Is there such thing as a front-end rebuild kit for NSX?

I would inspect the suspension components look for parts that have excessive play in them and go from there. There are a lot of parts that can contribute a loose feeling.

 

[FelonyRuckus]

tie end rods!

 

[redbird92]

I had to replace inners at 80K , SO think your well past that

Do both inner and outer

 

[R13]

-Check the alignment. If your front toe settings are out of whack, it can definitely feel like vague steering

If it's out of spec, have it re-aligned and see if that fixes it....even then, you might still want to check the tie rods and ends, because they may be the reason it's out of spec.

If the alignment's not off, then definitely take a hard look at the tie rods/tie rod ends....and while you're under there check out the bushings that hold the steering rack to the sub-frame. If these have deteriorated, then it can also introduce spongy steering.

I just replaced all of the above on my 230k mile '92 and it's sharpened up nicely.

 

[robodog]

Thanks everybody for the info. I'll start with the tie rods.

How many are on the car (total)?

 

[R13]

There are 2 rods, and 2 rod ends (4 pieces total). The rod ends connect via ball-joint to the knuckle. And the rods screw into the steering rack on one end, have a spherical joint in the middle, and screw into the rod-end on the other end.

If you're asking that question, no offense, you may want to take your car to an experienced tech to change these things. Also bear in mind if you do swap them out, you will need an alignment immediately as the car may or may not be very drivable.


(Also, the rear-end has a similar assembly, but it wouldn't necessarily impact the steering feel, and is somewhat less likely to wear out)

 

[nsxtasy]

There are a lot of things that can contribute to handling that feels less precise. The tie rod ends and bushings previously mentioned are obvious suspects, as is the alignment. The ball joints can go too. And it's possible to bend components like a control arm, that can upset the suspension geometry and make it feel like it's just not right.

You don't mention shocks, but shocks don't last forever; they can start feeling less precise after 50K miles, or they may be okay beyond 100K miles. In 310K miles, I'm guessing you've replaced your shocks at least 2-3 times already - if not, I'm shocked (pun intended :smile: ) - but if you haven't replaced them in the last 50-75K miles, that's something you may want to consider as well. Remember, most aftermarket performance shocks come with a non-transferrable lifetime warranty, so you may be able to get them replaced for free (parts only, you'll still pay labor) - and save your receipts if you have to buy them!

 

[robodog]

Thanks everybody for the information.

Yes, believe it or not I have never changed the shocks. Still riding on the original ones!!

I'm gonna change out the two tie rods, shocks, steering rack bushings, and then get it aligned. See how it is after that

 

[ALau99]

 

[nsxtasy]

With that many miles and everything original, it's tough to diagnose what might be the cause. It could be ALL of the above! I'd certainly replace the shocks and check everything else out too. Make sure you take it to someplace that has a lot of NSX experience!

 

[shawn110975]

post a pic of your Odometer. we have seen these cars go to 430K miles.

we wanna see it.

if you have had your car that whole time and your just now joining Prime?

where have you been? LOL

theres this new geico commercial where he says have you been living under a rock, and this guy moves this rock and his head pops out and he notices the sign for "15% or more" its so funny.

but if its all original it could be alot of things. you need to lift it and examine all the moving parts bushings, rubber, etc.etc

are the dampers original?

could be your steering gear box needs to be rebuild or serviced

 

[nsxtasy]

are the dampers original?

Assuming you mean the shocks, he already answered that, three posts above yours. :tongue:

 

[Hapa88]

Assuming you mean the shocks, he already answered that, three posts above yours. :tongue:

I think he means the struts? :tongue:

 

[dpnsx]

Speaking of replacing the rods -- is it possible to do this without removing the rod end from the knuckle?

 

[R13]

Speaking of replacing the rods -- is it possible to do this without removing the rod end from the knuckle?

Yes, you can loosen the stop-nut and unscrew the rod from the end. Then once this was done, you could unscrew the rod from the steering rack. This could be pretty tedious especially if there is corrosion involved though.

 

[Stevon]

I have a 91 NSX with over 310k miles on it. Over the years and particularly noticable within the last few months, the steering has become looser and it does not steer as tightly as it used to. Feels like some of the front-end steering components may have too much play? Particularly noticable at speeds over 80.

Any suggestions? Is there such thing as a front-end rebuild kit for NSX?

Check tie rod ends (all 4) then you will 99% sure need to replace lower ball joints on both front knuckles and possibly the back ones. The alignment shop told me which ones were shot because they could not get alignment settings to stay and showed me which ball joints were bad. Not to worry though, I figured a way to replace ball joints on both and posted the procedure here on Prime.
Stephen