g'day to all.

now a common problem that we 1200 owners are sure to face at some point is a collapsed steering bush, it's nothing really, but believe me it can be a pain in the arse. you have 3 real options here, 2 of which will cost you and 1 which won't what so ever. here we go

1) Have some clown make you a new a bush (which as i was quoted only yesterday) "will cost no more than a $160"

2) Take the time and be very patient and search for a new bush/column from wreckers/mates/forums...unless you get it from a mate for nothing this is going to cost you something

and finally the third option which is by far the easiest and will cost you NO money at all.

Put simply, pull off your steering wheel and all devices on the column behind it (be carefull here not to tear out wires of break any parts). you should now be faced with the rod that runs down the middle of the column and what appears to be worn away rubber (this was originally a eurathane bushing and after wear has worn, causing the rocking).

grab either..a rubber stopper or a small piece of poly eurathane. drill out a hole in the middle that is a tad smaller than the rod you won't to fit it over, this will create a nice tight fit. Tap the new bush down until you create a really tight fit. *hint* i made a sleeve out of a coke can to slide down the shaft a little first, this will make sure the rod will turn smoothly inside the column.

finally put the washer back on and tap it slowly with a spanner or screwdiver and you'll get a nice tight fit. put your stuff back on carefully and away you go. fixed for nothing, i did this just this morning and it has worked a treat, no shakes, bumps and the steering is nice and tight now.

hope this helps anyone that comes across this issue in the future.

i had this problem last year.
you can still buy these bushes new from nissan. pretty cheap too, around 15 bucks or something i think.