Steering has become lazy/light after 1200km

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by muffinman

I'm just throwing that out there as a possibility that it might be happening on the frs.

There is zero evidence that this is true. The FRS steering adds assist when traveling at low speeds (40+ year old technology there http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steerin...itive_Steering) but is consistent no matter the "setting" of the car.

Theorizing on something without evidence leads to people who know their shit getting annoyed, especially if you're suggesting a feature that would be widely known (i.e. this feature WOULD be in the owners manual). Not to mention it was brought up in an earlier post that you apparently disregarded.

[SMOKETREES]

Originally Posted by Ozzman

Have the dealer do an alignment, more than likely for some reason you have too much negative toe on the front end causing the car to wander/feel vague.

It is possible that after the suspension bushings, springs, and spring seats settled in the angles changed a little. You would be surprised at how much of a difference the alignment can have on how a car feels and how it interacts with the roadway.

2nd this!

[White64Goat]

Any updates to this condition?

[immortal_suby]

Originally Posted by scottrichardson

Yeh - I'm hitting full lock EVERY time I exit my driveway, or park my car at the super market etc... In fact, at full lock, the car isn't turning at it's tightest turning circle.

Thought: Can I pull the fuse out for the Electronic Power Steering - or disconnect the battery for a few minutes, then reconnect it? Could this possibly reset the steering controller?

This would only explain a difference in steering assist - you are still dealing with a mechanical rack and pinion. You are not going to change the steering ratio. If you are really needing more turns of the steering wheel to turn the car then something mechanical is borked.

[Dezoris]

I shoot a lot of adult films, I often have to set up scenes by lifting heavy breasts and placing them over furniture, tables and such. After a long day of hoisting them by hand or with spatulas for older women, the steering also feels light and uninspiring on my FR-S, something to consider.

[scottrichardson]

Originally Posted by R2

Did you change your seat position or steering wheel position around the time the steering feel changed? Alternatively, did you add/remove any weight anywhere in the car? Low fuel level in the tank? I'm curious to see if you can correlate this change in feeling to something like that.

I took a look at your weather over the last four weeks to see if there was any major temperature changes that could affect the tires/bushings, but it looks like your daily highs were consistently in the mid to low 20's. That being said, could there be any other environmental changes over the last few days that are different than the previous four weeks you have been driving it?

I am very sorry for my belated response - however you nailed it. The issue ended up being totally benign. I'd adjusted my steering column for my wife to drive the car. I'd brought the steering column closer to the driver and down a bit - fully pulling the column out as far as it goes. When I got back in the car, I forgot I had done this, so just adjusted my seat. It took me weeks to realise I'd adjusted it and when I was on a drive, I adjusted it back and it immediately felt perfect again. There IS a discernible difference in the feeling of the steering between having the column all the way out and all the way in.

I'm a n00b. The car has been perfect ever since!

[bcj]

Glad you got it dialed.

[kALMIGHTY]

I would check my blinker fluid first if I were you. The damn stuff causes all my problems.

[wheelhaus]

Originally Posted by scottrichardson

... There IS a discernible difference in the feeling of the steering between having the column all the way out and all the way in.

I'm a n00b. The car has been perfect ever since!

Glad you got it sorted, there were some, uh, interesting theories in this thread. The only difference you are feeling is the geometry of your arms and their relationship to the wheel. You're obviously sensitive to something being different, but its all you, not the machine. There is mechanically no difference in steering ratio or anything that could affect the steering system's operation by telescoping the steering wheel in/out, or tilt up/down.

[yuicebox]

In this thread: paranoia, discussion, enlightenment, redemption.

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[khan]

Originally Posted by scottrichardson

Hi all,

I couldn't find a specific forum for 'steering', so figured this would be the ideal place.

I have only had my 86 GTS manual for 4 weeks and have only done 1250 km on her, but as of about 3-4 days ago, my steering started to feel a bit different.

It's hard for me to explain, but the best description is light, lazy, and vague.

When I first got it, the steering was tight, responsive, and reactive. I felt connected to the road and could feel the car pull and had lots of feedback.

But now, it feels light.. I feel less feedback from the road - very little at all. I feel that I have to turn the wheel more than I should - almost like the power steering is on, but not assisting.

It is certainly worse at low speed than it is going faster, but even then there's little feedback or resistance when cornering and I still feel like the car isn't responding. At high speed I feel like there's a delay in the car responding to my turns.

I have checked tyre pressure and it's all fine.

I am stumped honestly. My local dealer took a quick ride and says it felt normal, but i KNOW it's nothing like what it was like when I got the car. A perfect indication something is wrong: I couldn't stop finding reasons to get out and drive the thing, and now I am finding excuses not to drive it

Overall the steering feels sloppy, light, and slippery and not tight, resistive and responsive.

Any ideas on what might cause this type of thing?

I understand it is electronic power steering?

Scott

I just passed 700 miles and I started experiencing the same things you did. Will be doing the necessary checks and also checking the steering column.

[yuicebox]

This was solved a few posts back. Adjust your steering wheel position and get an alignment if the first thing isn't doing it for you

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[khan]

Originally Posted by yuicebox

This was solved a few posts back. Adjust your steering wheel position and get an alignment if the first thing isn't doing it for you

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Yes that is what I meant about the checks. I read the whole thread. Just posting to bring attention to anyone else having similar issues and whether they are similar solutions. Thanks though!

[zaptorque]

Originally Posted by wbradley

You lift?

Bro, do you even lift?