Heavy Steering Effort 280Z ???

[dga]

I recently bought a 77 280Z in near mint condition. However, it will need new bushings and shocks. It has Michelin X 195 70 HR 14 tires (all season) with 3-4 K miles on them.

On the highway, it tracks perfectly and has a nice solid feel.

In the city, the steering effort seems very heavy. Heavier than the 78 280Z I owned from 78-86 (based on my memory). Nothing is binding, all is smooth-- just very heavy.

Here are my questions

-are the steering gear ratios different between a late 77 and a 78?
-are the Michelin X tires too sticky? (my 78 had Michelin XVS and the original Bridgestones)-- what tires are recommended??
-will bushing upgrades to suspension and steering mechs help?
-is my memory faulty-- were these always really heavy steering cars? (hence the addition of power assist in the ZXs)
-do I need to work on my upper body strength?

All help and thoughts appreciated!

[EScanlon]

I've found that a drop of just a couple psi can alter the effort required even in a power ASSIST steering equipped vehicle.

Don't know or have information regarding the rest of your questions, but sometimes the best fix is the simplest.

[2ManyZs]

Well, it is quite possible you have just forgotten how hard they steer at low speeds. I did after not having a street car for about 6 years.

Like EScanlon said, check your tire pressures first. Try about 30 to 32 psi and see if that makes any difference.

You could have other mechanical problems.
One thing could be the steering rack. It could be binding due to wear or it may be that it needs to be greased. There are two small pugs on the front ot the rack that can be taken out and 1/8 inch grease fittings put in. Try that, put a couple shots of grease in and see if that helps.

It could be that the upper bearings in the strut are bad too. They are located between the strut mounting plate and the upper spring perch ( I recently took the struts apart in my 71 and the bearings were full of rust and grime). Take the bearings out and clean them thoroughly and pack a little wheel bearing grease in them.

While you are checking things out it probably wouldn't hurt to check the lower ball joints, tie rod ends and rack bushings, a combination of these worn parts could contribute to the hard steering.

[nustad]

Try getting a wheel alignment too