41 replies to this topic

[Foxy]

Im finding the steering of my (ex D-dawg) VX too heavy. On track its really hard work. My guess is that its due to the castor/geo set-up but just wanted to check if there are any other potential causes. Could it be something to do with pre-load on the steering rack? Its not tyre pressure and I believe ball joints are fairly recent. Any other ideas?

[ChrisS1]

I replaced the ball joints on my Elise with some that were slightly out of tolerance and the steering was really heavy afterward.

[CHILL Gone DUTCH]

Them big heavy wheels won't be helping and 205 tires v195 tires have a big effect on the steering weight

[Foxy]

Ive had speedlines and 205 tyres on other VXs without the same issue so I think its more than that. Will investigate ball joints too. Thanks chaps 👍🏼

[Aerodynamic]

Do you dare to ask for a power steering? I have a quick rack on mine and 225 front And its ok. I Will change to a littlebit bigger stering wheel tho. Br, Per

[FLD]

It can be how the ball joints are pressed in. They must be pressed in with a ring around the outside. Any pressure on the joint makes them stiff. Rack preload can do it too. You can check with a Spring guage. Geo also plays a part. If everything is new that won't help. Might need a bit of bedding in if that's the case.

[Foxy]

Do you dare to ask for a power steering? I have a quick rack on mine and 225 front And its ok. I Will change to a littlebit bigger stering wheel tho. Br, Per

Not sure if serious Its definitely an issue with this particular car, not just TADTS. I most certainly dont need or want PAS!

[Foxy]

It can be how the ball joints are pressed in. They must be pressed in with a ring around the outside. Any pressure on the joint makes them stiff. Rack preload can do it too. You can check with a Spring guage. Geo also plays a part. If everything is new that won't help. Might need a bit of bedding in if that's the case.

The parts arent *that* new, so I cant imagine its a bedding in thing. Interesting point about fitting of the joints, Ill check that out

Edited by Foxy, 12 November 2017 - 08:31 PM.

[pete-r]

Definitely don't rule out the front wheels, the compo's and 205s will be hard work and if your tyre pressures are low it'll be even worse. Easy thing to check before you start spending.

[Foxy_Jr]

To eliminate tyre size and exterior ie. non linkage things, why not jack it up both sides and... Sorry scratch that, probably a really bad idea! ;-)

[The Batman]

[ianrm]

Get down the Gym ya whimp

[pete-r]

To eliminate tyre size and exterior ie. non linkage things, why not jack it up both sides and... Sorry scratch that, probably a really bad idea! ;-)

That's a cheap shot

[JG]

[siztenboots]

disconnect track rod ends at the steering arm ( geo still intact ) and see where the pivot resistance is , ball joints , or steering rack.

[Foxy]

disconnect track rod ends at the steering arm ( geo still intact ) and see where the pivot resistance is , ball joints , or steering rack.

Thanks Steve

[james4563]

I assume you have checked your tyre pressures?? When I had a slow puncture the steering was noticeably heavier when the tyre pressure was getting low.

[Foxy]

I assume you have checked your tyre pressures?? When I had a slow puncture the steering was noticeably heavier when the tyre pressure was getting low.

[james4563]

What? It was a genuine query...as I didn't realise I had a puncture and tyres didn't look flat at all so I overlooked them.. Fwiw I've changed all suspension joint/bushes and rebuilt my steering rack this month. Even when everything was brand new it didn't feel heavy, just tighter I guess. What castor are you running, that made quite a difference when mine was adjusted.

[Foxy]

Yeah, I know sorry. Just that I mentioned in my OP that it wasn't tyre pressures  

 

I suspect it is to do with castor - but it was set-up for the previous owner (by MBR I believe) so I don't know what the settings are.