Taxi Driver Online

Hi there

i have recently aquired a 1995 Fairway Driver - just coming to the end of its plate, so its fair to assume it's done quite a few miles since the last work on the suspension / steering.
With overdrive on the engine feels more than willing to travel at 70mph plus (i wouldn't flog it by going too much faster) ont he motorway but at anything about about 59mph the front end seems to shake violently - like a wheel is coming off (its not as I have checked) - making the wings and bonnet wobble..... now I'm not talking about gentle vibration, its pretty severe..... and even if travelling below the 59mph threshold and the wheel strikes a small pothole or road imperfection it seems to throw the wheels into what I can only describe as a 'flutter' - a severe wobble which requires slowing down to eliminate before speeding back up again.
Having had lots of classic cars I know when wheels are out of balance the steering wheel tends to shake at certain speebs - but in this case the wheel doesnt shake (beyong the general vibration affecting the whole front end !) - i am assuming this is because it's a box and linkage system rather than rack and pinion.
My question is what this problem is most likely due to - in my mind it could either be:
1) Worn steering balljoints /swivels
2) Worn steering damper
3) Unbalanced front wheels (feels too severe for that)
4) Tyre bulge or uneven wear

Has anyone else experienced this ?

My other more minor problem is the tendency for the bonnet to pop up on to its safety latch over each and every bump - the previous owner blamed rust in the front wings - however i see the bonnet latches on to the chassis and so in theory should be independent of what the wings are doing.
The latch and pin look in ok condition for their age - but would replacement resolve the problem and can you even get a new latch assembly now ?

Hope you can help.

Russ.

Never driven an LTI motor, but on an old Nissan Bluebird I had it was the shocks gone that gave me the exact problems that you described.

Lovely car though.

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IDFIMH

The engine would still be going 5 years after the car had rusted away. I used to have a Diesel Bluebird and did that used to make some noise, the lads on the rank knew I was coming back because they could hear me the other side of town.

How the hell did you get a diesel bluebird, when Nissan only introduced the diesel in the primera

If you push the bumper down you'll probably find the wings will move apart.The whole bumper assemble is flexible and bolts on to the chassis with just a couple of bolts.The whole assembly,bumper,valance and the bumper irons can move up and down and I'd guess the wheels are out of balance and the whole lot shakes up and down in sympathy.
Check the bolts holding it to the chassis and the bolts holding it all together.I ended up welding a bar straight across the front to hold the whole thing together.
Try pulling the bonnet open,if you can the catch is worn or not latching correctly,you should here a definate click on shutting it as the catch engages.

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Selling Imperial tools for old cars.

Another skippy moment
http://www.loot.com/advert/nissan-blueb ... el/2685540

dam I forgot about the one before the primera it was 2 early ffs 3 hours sleep and an airport run to do

Quite simple really.

I bought it off a driver who was retiring.

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IDFIMH

I think you'll find they did a Bluebird with a diesel engine. I had one so I know they made one.

That's a strong reason for there being one

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

As a follow up to the original post.
I replaced the sills on my fairway and repaired the bottom mountings for the wings.I also closed the gaps between wing and bonnet by moving the fixing points on the radiator support.
The reduction in 'wing flap' on a bumpy road is very noticeable.

_________________
Selling Imperial tools for old cars.