I recently took a *very* spirited drive up in Angeles Crest (local LA area mountain road). Mostly of us drove with 911s, M3s, S2000s, and a Ferrari GTS. It was interesting exchanging honest comments on each owners impressions of their cars. Anyway, I could really notice my front end felt looser. Everything just has more "play" than new. It's a similar feeling to having old worn out body and suspension rubber mounts and bushing in an old car. Nothing alarming of course, just your standard 18 yo car telling you some systems needs to be rebuilt. It really feels like from the steering wheel to the hubs there's just some looseness i'd like to improve upon. I'm sure the 18" low pro tires had some to do with the harshness also. Generally, car-to-driver communication could be better.
Anyway, my car is a 1991 nearing 90k miles with manual steering. Suspension is stock except for 18s in front with S03s and Bilstein on lower perch. I tried to do a search on common items and have come up with a few items to ask about.
I'd also like to keep this thread about the steering and replacement items and less about general suspension. You know how it is with suspension.. everyone has their own likes/dislikes based on driving style (i.e. spring rates, sway bars diameters, etc).
Questions:
1. Steering rack bushing kit - I already have this on order with SoS since I figured I should change them anyway. I've read mixed reviews on if this actually does much of anything in terms of percieved improvement. But dried and old bushing are dried and old bushings...
2. Non-Compliance Toe Links - I've heard good things about this. Is this enough or do I need to buy the rear beam and all the non-compliance items to really make a difference. What's your experience? The rear beam seems to be pretty popular also.
3. New Steering Wheel - I think one of the biggest problems with the NSX is that crappy steering wheel. It's heavy, bulky, and just not very ergonomic friendly esp for a manual steering car. It seems to dampen a lot of communication but i've never tried something different. You folks that have upgraded to a non-SRS unit, was it worth it? I don't care for the "badass/racer" look. I just want improved car/driver communication.
4. A-arm bushings - I haven't read many talk about replacing the old rubber bushings. Is that a common "quick hit" item to address?
5. Steering rack/box - Is this a common item to replace? I've read mixed reviews. Is most of the play in the steering system coming from this? I hope to avoid this and leave this as a last resort. These units are $$$.
6. Tie-rods - Inner and outer tie rods. Same with #5, are these common to replace also?
7. Last question - What order of replacement should I follow? I don't want to do all at once unless it makes sense during the install process. As with anything these days budget is always a concern.
Also, I think i'm generally happy with the OEM sways and the stock 91 springs. Could use a little less roll but for now I like the little bit of tendency to wanna push/understeer.
Would appreciate some of your comments guys!
UPDATED: I believe i've found some answers. Rear beam with bushings, rigid toe links and front compliant joint clamps, sway bar bushing, control arm bushing, chassis bars - these are the items I look into replacing/adding. Now the challenge is picking the right products to upgrade first keeping in mind low hanging fruit and best bang for the buck.
Anyway, my car is a 1991 nearing 90k miles with manual steering. Suspension is stock except for 18s in front with S03s and Bilstein on lower perch. I tried to do a search on common items and have come up with a few items to ask about.
I'd also like to keep this thread about the steering and replacement items and less about general suspension. You know how it is with suspension.. everyone has their own likes/dislikes based on driving style (i.e. spring rates, sway bars diameters, etc).
Questions:
1. Steering rack bushing kit - I already have this on order with SoS since I figured I should change them anyway. I've read mixed reviews on if this actually does much of anything in terms of percieved improvement. But dried and old bushing are dried and old bushings...
2. Non-Compliance Toe Links - I've heard good things about this. Is this enough or do I need to buy the rear beam and all the non-compliance items to really make a difference. What's your experience? The rear beam seems to be pretty popular also.
3. New Steering Wheel - I think one of the biggest problems with the NSX is that crappy steering wheel. It's heavy, bulky, and just not very ergonomic friendly esp for a manual steering car. It seems to dampen a lot of communication but i've never tried something different. You folks that have upgraded to a non-SRS unit, was it worth it? I don't care for the "badass/racer" look. I just want improved car/driver communication.
4. A-arm bushings - I haven't read many talk about replacing the old rubber bushings. Is that a common "quick hit" item to address?
5. Steering rack/box - Is this a common item to replace? I've read mixed reviews. Is most of the play in the steering system coming from this? I hope to avoid this and leave this as a last resort. These units are $$$.
6. Tie-rods - Inner and outer tie rods. Same with #5, are these common to replace also?
7. Last question - What order of replacement should I follow? I don't want to do all at once unless it makes sense during the install process. As with anything these days budget is always a concern.
Also, I think i'm generally happy with the OEM sways and the stock 91 springs. Could use a little less roll but for now I like the little bit of tendency to wanna push/understeer.
Would appreciate some of your comments guys!
UPDATED: I believe i've found some answers. Rear beam with bushings, rigid toe links and front compliant joint clamps, sway bar bushing, control arm bushing, chassis bars - these are the items I look into replacing/adding. Now the challenge is picking the right products to upgrade first keeping in mind low hanging fruit and best bang for the buck.
Last edited:
