What the heck is a HICAS?!
HICAS /hīkas/ (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) is Nissan's rear wheel steering system[1][2] found on cars ranging from the more recent Skyline and Fairlady Z (300ZX) iterations to smaller models like the Nissan Cefiro (A31), 240SX/Silvia (S13 & S15)/180SX and Nissan Serena/Nissan Largo. It is also found on models from Nissan's Infiniti division, such as the Q45, M45/M35 and G37. Unlike many other four wheel steering systems, HICAS and Super HICAS are fitted to improve handling rather than just as a parking aid.
(Wikipedia excerpt)
If you've got an R or S-chassis, you've certainly heard about the issues with HICAS. While Nissan sure did an awesome job leading the pack in the early '90s with awesome features such as four wheel steering - today, it's often a completely defunct system in need of expensive repairs today.
Many drivers who have had the rare opportunity (myself included) to feel what a properly functioning HICAS system feels like are at first startled by it's operation. First, you think - " Holy S&%!, my rear wheels are loose ! " - Eventually, that feeling subsides, and you begin to somewhat enjoy it. It eventually becomes predictable. On the other hand, others describe the HICAS system as being dangerous, unpredictable - as it throws the car into an unexpected turn that was certainly not driver induced.
In any case, I would say that 1 out of every 25 cars has a properly working HICAS system, and 1 out of every 10 drivers actually enjoys and wants it. This leads to the vast majority of drivers wanting it removed - and there in lies the creation of the HICAS lockout bar.
There are quite a few ways to delete it, some better than others. The Turtle Garage HICAS lockout bar was developed by an avid Skyline enthusiast, who just happens to be a licensed and certified welder - looking for a solution to the issues with HICAS without compromise. Many of the kits simply replace the HICAS actuator and leave the inner and outer tie rod ends to be re-used. Those are actually the parts that are most problematic, as they have ball and socket designs that wear out and result in play (toe in / out). Defeating the issue properly required a HICAS eliminator that would address those issues. This is how the Turtle Garage HICAS eliminator was born.
What's in the package?
100% bolt on Hicas delete kit. Very strong. One piece design far superior to the 2 pieces kits on the market. Designed to take the abuse of racing and rough race tracks and never lose your alignment specs. Replaces the Hicas steering rack. Deletes the weak tie rods and outer balljoints. Also acts as a rear subframe/toe brace. Unlike many of the new companies trying to build one piece kits now. This is the only one piece brace on the market that has the ability to clear extended differential covers.
Eliminator braces are built from Canadian mild steel, precision drilled, welded by a CWB certified welder then coated in a beautiful black powder coat for durability. All bolts are grade 8 and zinc coated for corrosion resistance.
What you see is what you get:
Turtle Garage Total Hicas Eliminator Brace
4 Grade 8 bolts
4 Nylon Lock Nuts
2 Energy Suspension Polyurethane Bushings
1 pack of bushing grease.
What you need:
Ball joint puller/press to remove hicas ball joints in the knuckle. Can be bought or rented for cheap.
They are also easily removable with some force with knuckle off the car.
Braces are made in Canada
This kit is tested to fit on R32 Skylines and S13 silvias/240's/180's. may fit more chassis. Please inquire.
Will clear Greddy and Gktech brand extended diff covers.
The Turtle Garage HICAS eliminator is available as just the lockout bar and hardware, or a complete kit including adjustable toe arms (GKTech arms)
Conclusion
If you're looking for the best kit on the market, with the most competitive price, and highest customer satisfaction, Turtle Garage has got you covered. It's incredibly easy to install, service, remove. It's never going to break. It comes powder coated in black (custom colours available on request!) and has high quality zinc plated hardware - none of that retail hardware store grade 5 garbage. It will fit just about any chassis that had HICAS, and it will allow you to replace the flimsy, worn out rear steering tie rod ends with robust aftermarket adjustable toe arms.