Steering/Suspension - Vehicle Pulls to The Right
Classification:FA03-001A
Reference:
NTB03-046A
Date:
September 16, 2004
2003-2004 350Z; STEERING DRIFT TO THE RIGHT
This bulletin amends NTB03-046. This version amends the Applied Vehicles and the Service Procedure.
Please discard all paper copies of the earlier versions.
APPLIED VEHICLES:
2003 - 2004 350Z (Z33)
IF YOU CONFIRM:
The vehicle has a tendency for a constant drift to the right on a straight, flat road at highway speeds.
NOTE:
A vehicle is said to drift, if, at 60 mph:
^ The vehicle completes a lane change in less than 7 seconds and
^ the driver doesn't try to steer the vehicle straight and
^ all four wheels pass into the other lane during this time (7 seconds) and
^ the vehicle is being driven on a road with a very slight crown of less than 1 %.
ACTIONS:
Complete these steps in the following order until the incident is fixed:
1. Check/adjust the tire pressure (all four tires).
2. Check the vehicle "ride height". If the vehicle ride height is uneven perform the necessary repairs.
3. Replace the right front suspension compression rod.
^ Use the new compression rod listed in the Parts Information.
IMPORTANT:
The purpose of ACTIONS (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire Service Procedure as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Verify the incident as described in the IF YOU CONFIRM section in this bulletin.
2. Check/adjust the tire pressure in all 4 tires. Refer to the vehicle door-sticker for tire pressure specifications.
A. Road test the vehicle.
^ If adjustment of the tire pressure has fixed the incident, you're finished with this repair.
^ If the incident is not fixed, go to the next step.
3. Check the front vehicle ride height.
A. Measure both the left and right side.
B. Make a note of the difference between the left and right side.
4. Check the rear vehicle ride height.
A. Measure both the left and right side.
B. Make a note of the difference between the left and right side.
5. Review the ride-height readings from steps 3 and 4.
A. If the difference between left and right side readings for both the front and rear are less than 15 mm (0.6 inch), go to step 6.
B. If the difference between left and right side readings for the front or rear is more than 15 mm (0.6 inch):
a. Repair the vehicle suspension as necessary.
b. Road-test to check it again for a drift.
^ If the incident is fixed, you're finished with this repair.
^ If the incident is not fixed go to step 6.
6. Replace the right front compression rod.
^ Use the new compression rod listed in the Parts Information.
^ Re-use the tapered (cone shape) sleeve from the spindle side of the compression rod end (see Figure 1).
^ Refer to the FSU section of the Electronic Service Manual for details.
7. Road-test to verify the incident is fixed.
Disclaimer