For about the last year and a half or so, i've been having some issues with the front end of my 2006 G35x (135k miles). Basically it feels unstable at highway speeds, often to a scary degree.

While driving at speeds over 50mph, if I encounter any bumps, wind, or even on curves, the steering feels loose. If i'm driving in strong winds, the whole front end of the car wants to blow around and I find myself correcting the steering a lot. I have front and rear sway bars and before this problem started the steering and handling felt very balanced and neutral; now it oversteers and I feel a bit more body sway. Even in normal driving situations, like off ramps.

I tried removing the aftermarket sway bars (replaced with stock) and the problem got a little worse, so that's not it. I used to have ES compression rod bushings, but took them off about a year ago and replaced with revised OEM ones. The problem didn't start at that time, but it has gotten worse since.

I've also replaced all my tires. That helped too, but the problem is still there and still getting worse. Had an alignment a couple months ago. Replaced all the struts almost 3 years ago with Monroes (no more than 35-40k miles on them).

Today I raised up each side of the car and pulled on the wheel, and everything feels tight aside from regular steering play. All the other bushings look fine visually, but I can't seem to figure out what the problem is. Any suggestions? Anyone else have an issue like this?

 

What size tires are you running? Does the car seem to follow ruts?

 

Stock size: 215-55R17

The tires don't seem to be tramlining any more than they should, so I don't think that's the problem (i've had this problem with my old tires and now my new ones, which are a different tire). But any rough or bumpy road seems to make this problem worse.

 

Got my tires rotated and my alignment checked. Still doing the same thing. Anyone?

 

Check your power steering fluid first. If it's been a while since the last time it was serviced, change the fluid. I definitely felt an improvement in steering after I changed mine.

 

I've been having this issue for a year and a half now.

I've replaced all suspension bushings with ES bushings, replaced upper A-Arms, replaced all wheel bearings, all new tires, all new struts and mounts. i have checked all components for play to no avail.

i seriously dont know what it is.

 

Not once did you mention tie rods.

 

In for an answer.

 

Did you check your tie rods? Worn out ones and new ones that aren't aligned right away will feel exactly like that. I replaced inner and outer on my Audi and it steered like crap and felt very unsafe (I had to drive around for a few days) after I took it to get aligned everything was fixed. I'd try replacing your inner and outer ties rods anyway, they probably are worn out around that mileage.

 

I wonder if mine are worn. They certainly arent bad or have play.

 

If there is no play they can still be worn. I'd visually inspect the boots, separate them from the knuckle, and if they plop down replace the inner and outer. They should be somewhat stiff and not move easily. I've replaced inner and outers on my Audi and Volvo for my sister, but haven't had to do the G yet even with 146K.

They can be a pain in the *** to change though especially if they've been on there for years. I've had to use a monkey wrench, torch (iffy since it can damage seals from the heat), and cut off wheel just to get the outers off. You also need to rent a special tool and pray they fit over them.

 

If i recall correctly, all of my ball joints move with ease..no play though. That could be the issue. My car is in the alignment shop right now, so we'll see if alignment wasnt the issue.

 

Bit of an update: The passenger side front CV axle boot ripped and sprayed grease everywhere, so I had a shop replace the whole CV axle. Since that time the steering has been improved dramatically. It's still not as good as it was a few years ago, but I think that may have been part of the problem. Which makes no sense since a CV axle shouldn't cause that, but here we are. I'm tempted to replace the other front one to see what happens.

I asked the shop to take a look at the other suspension and steering components and they didn't find anything wrong.

 

Both of mine are torn. I dont see how that could affect steering though. I have the boots, just never had the chance to do it. I just got my car back from the alignment shop and there is a camber issue but no bad suspension parts aparently.