Xterra Steering problem.

[ChuckH]

Anyone else had any problems with their Xterra's steering? I have excessive play both side to side and in and out with the steering wheel. A local dealer diagnosed it as having a collapsed steering column, but I think the problem is in the steering box. I have since adjusted to having to move the steering wheel more, but at first, I had a couple close calls while driving the vehicle and not having it respond as quickly as it use to. The dealer ordered a new steering column, but the part is on backorder and I've been waiting for a month. Vehicle has not been in any accident (yet), and Nissan and the delaer insist it's safe to drive. Any thoughts or similar experiences?

BTW, I'm happy to have found this site. I have been a long-time Audi owner and visitor of AudiWorld.com, and it was the press release regarding the joining of this site, AudiWorld, and whatever the other ones were http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif that led me here. Now my Audi friends won't have to listen to me talk about my Xterra as much!

Thanks!

Chuck

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Chuck -
There are other sites that cover the Xterra also. This link should get you started:
http://www.burntorangedesign.com/xterra/links.htm

Sorry I can't help with the steering. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/frown.gif

dave - call the corporate customer number if they take too long http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/mad.gif

[ChuckH]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DaveDatsun:
Chuck -
There are other sites that cover the Xterra also. This link should get you started:
http://www.burntorangedesign.com/xterra/links.htm

Sorry I can't help with the steering. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/frown.gif

dave - call the corporate customer number if they take too long http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/mad.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Dave,

Thanks for the link! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif BTW, I really like my Xterra; I just want to get it fixed. I will call Nissan (not the first time, sadly) if I don't get something done soon. I am also looking for an exhaust and air filter upgrade right now. Do you know of anything? I don't want one of those Japanese systems with the 8" exhaust pipe and bee buzzing note. Something throaty, not flashy, and that would let the engine breathe would do nicely. Thanks again!

Charles

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Charles -

I know of three exhaust systems, but there may be others. HKS, Steve Millen and Borla. Know idea of how the sounds compare - but the sound is sooo subjective. I get the impression that others are on the way. It just takes the aftermarket some time to get going.
On the intake side you can get a hi-flow filter - pop charger - from Jim Wolf and I think Millen has something too. I have not seen the Millen part. Again, there may be other intakes out there or on the way in the next few months. Experience with other vehicles tells me that I want cool outside air along with a less restrictive filter system.
I have an aftermarket Eaton SC on my other car http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/cool.gif and I'd really like a setup like that on the X. I understand that may be an option on the PU and maybe the X for 2001. The big question is if nissan will follow toyota (TRD) and make a kit available. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/confused.gif

dave - maybe a good SC from the aftermarket?

[ChuckH]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DaveDatsun:
Charles -

I know of three exhaust systems, but there may be others. HKS, Steve Millen and Borla. Know idea of how the sounds compare - but the sound is sooo subjective. I get the impression that others are on the way. It just takes the aftermarket some time to get going.
On the intake side you can get a hi-flow filter - pop charger - from Jim Wolf and I think Millen has something too. I have not seen the Millen part. Again, there may be other intakes out there or on the way in the next few months. Experience with other vehicles tells me that I want cool outside air along with a less restrictive filter system.
I have an aftermarket Eaton SC on my other car http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/cool.gif and I'd really like a setup like that on the X. I understand that may be an option on the PU and maybe the X for 2001. The big question is if nissan will follow toyota (TRD) and make a kit available. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/confused.gif

dave - maybe a good SC from the aftermarket? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I emailed Stillen, but have not heard back yet. I tried the links to Jim Wolfe, but they don't work. Maybe his site is down temporarily? Hopefully just temporary. I knew there was atleast something available from HKS, but I haven't been able to find a supplier; or one with information anyway. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/frown.gif I'm kind of concerned the HKS may be the buzzy type of exhaust, which is not what I'm looking for. I don't want to attract attention. I was thinking about supercharging later, but I don't think I want to spend that much money on the Xterra. I have another project planned that will require all of my money. I'm thinking of building a 350-400 HP Audi 90 quattro for weekend and track use, complete with roll cage and the whole works. The Xterra is my daily driver/camping/biking vehicle. I think I must be crazy having a vehicle that gets 16 MPG for a daily driver! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif I did find a K&N panel filter at one of those links you gave me, but it did not specify whether it was for the 4 cylinder or the 6. Last one I found was only for the 4. I'll need to do more research, but I'd really like a cone filter anyway.

Charles

[ChuckH]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DaveDatsun:
Charles -

I know of three exhaust systems, but there may be others. HKS, Steve Millen and Borla. Know idea of how the sounds compare - but the sound is sooo subjective. I get the impression that others are on the way. It just takes the aftermarket some time to get going.
On the intake side you can get a hi-flow filter - pop charger - from Jim Wolf and I think Millen has something too. I have not seen the Millen part. Again, there may be other intakes out there or on the way in the next few months. Experience with other vehicles tells me that I want cool outside air along with a less restrictive filter system.
I have an aftermarket Eaton SC on my other car http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/cool.gif and I'd really like a setup like that on the X. I understand that may be an option on the PU and maybe the X for 2001. The big question is if nissan will follow toyota (TRD) and make a kit available. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/confused.gif

dave - maybe a good SC from the aftermarket? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Finally, the steering column is here! I will have it installed on Wednesday. 2 months for that baby!