I have a 1991 civic si with a Z6 swap, lowered 3"

So I've slowly been weeding out what the problem could be by replacing my axles, rotors, pads, wheel bearings, alignment and upper/lower balljoints.

I've tried on a set of new balanced wheels and tires off of my buddies car and the problem still occurs.

The only thing i can think of it possibly being is something to do with a bad steering rack or tie rods even though the tie rod ends are in good shape with no play.

Someone PLEASE give me a suggestion as to what it could be, I'm stumped.

Thanks

 

I would check the plastic piece in the steering rack I cannot remember what it is called for some reason but it could cause this. Also what about tie rods?

 

I had this exact same issue in a crx I owned, and its not a great feeling.. i replaced upper and lower balljoints, and went through the bushings in the front end. i ended up taking the car to an alignment shop and they did my tierods, after that the car rode fine.

 

I'm not sure if this is relevant, but would not having the screws in the rotor cause this? I'm having the same issue and am also trying to weed out some things.

 

well if you ruled out the pads and rotors then you can try the tie rods like everyone recomends...i had a 93 civic hatch with passenger tie rod slightly worn and it would make the whole cabin rattle at break and around 75mph,its worth a try

 

The screws that hold the rotor in place are not needed and were only used when the car was originally assembled at the factory.

 

yeah thats what I thought. OP i would deff have your tierods checked out.

 

Rack end bushing for sure. And any other balljoint/tie rod that needs replacing.

 

hmmm...I guess my next step will be replacing the tie rods and then another alignment.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

 

youd be wise not to ignore my rack end bushing suggestion.

and dont forget to tighten the pinion gearbox and check steering column u joints.

 

Could you please explain what a "rack end bushing" is exactly, I've never heard of it. My steering rack does seem to have some play in it.

 

check the faq's.
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/crx-rack-end-bushing-1117870/

$10 part and is all you need to rebuild the manual rack.

 

Thanks for the refrence to the replacement thread, I just ordered the bushing so hopefully that fixes my problem.

 

wtf!ya there nedded.trust me

 

i think he means tie rod ends...and u should get that fixed

 

No, that's not what he meant. He was talking about a bushing inside the steering rack.

 

No you do not. When you tighten your wheel down it keep the rotor from moving.

 

ive seen three hondas that didnt put them in and it squealed after...stoped when they put them back..but y start leaving **** out...take pride in your work and dnt leave extra bolts and screws out.

 

inside?would anyone have a diagram im interested.

 

Really? Dumb noob can't be bothered to click a link?

 

So today I replaced my rack end bushing hoping that would be the issue and there is no improvement at all.

My car is still shaking at freeway speeds and under braking, I'm at a loss, I have no idea what to do now.

Someone please help.

 

That screw is mostly for line-up purposes and to help keep the rotor from flopping around wihile youre putting caliper and pads back on.

You can jack up the front end of the car and see if you can wiggle either wheel back forth. if it's the tie rod ends that are loose you'll feel the slack and likely hear a clunk. Does the steering wheel move around while braking, or is it only vibration?

 

It's only vibration, I know its not a bad wheel bearing or tie rod. I've literally checked everything, the only thing i can think of now is a bent hub. So i have some more trouble shooting to do.

 

Bent Hub would more than likely give you a shimmy at the steering wheel much like a warped rotor. If its not coming thru the steering wheel then I would think it not coming from the wheel end of things. Check all of your bushings for any kind of cracks tears etc. Also how far off is your camber?

 

LOL, yeah, I replaced mine a few years ago. It was cracked in half. Pulled it out with a set of long nose needle pliers after I took off the outer and inner right tie rods.