95 Altima vibratin

Anyone know where the steering bushings are? How to replace them? I get a rattle in the steering wheel when I hit bumps. Haven't replaced the ball joints/bushings yet but ball joints don't seem to have any play in them when I test. Car has 130K miles on it.

One Noise that is deffinatly described as a rattle when you hit a bump in frontwheel drive cars comes from worn or missplaced insulating hardware on the front strut assymblies. Often the rattle becomes noticable after new struts are installed. There are rubber insulators top and bottom on the strut shaft, upper and lower on the coil spring, and at the strut bearing to the body. I don't know of any insulators in the steering column or gear. Or does the rattle you hear come from inside the car?

I see. It is not really a noise...more so the steering wheel vibrates more so on bumps...Perhaps it's tie rod issue? I have 130K and haven't replaced yet. When I jack up the car and wiggle the tire it seems fine though.... Thanks for your reply!

Check the bolts that mount the steering assembly to the body. I believe they have insulating bushings to dampen vibration and noise. While the car is on jack stands use the jack to lift each lower control arm. Then use a prybar, or grab hold and move the tire around (if your feeling like a bear) to check the upper control arm bushings for wear. At 116k mine apear to have a lot of wear but don't cause a noticable problem. Inspect the lower control arm bushings. If the problem is more like something you feel in the steering wheel, the cause is more likely from bushings rather than balljoints or tie rod ends.

Where are the bolts that mount the steering assembly to the body located?
Thanks

I can't find a good picture. Start on the passenger side and follow the tie rod to the boot. Moving toward the center past the boot there is a U strap that clamps a piece of rubber between it and the steering gear. On the top of the strap there is a bolt that goes into the body. On the bottom there is a nut on a stud to the body. In the same area on the driver's side there is a bolt on top and nut on the bottom holding the gear to the body. Inspect the rubber parts and that the unit doesn't move.