Hey guys, I just got the car back from the body shop (airbags stolen, etc... see my previous post) and I noticed that the steering is just not what it used to be. I loved the responsive steering of the car, you turn the steering wheel slightly and the car goes in that direction. This is in contrast to some cars like a crown vic where you turn the wheel a little and the car is still going straight. Basically, the car now feels like a boat- i need to turn the wheel a lot in order to get the car to turn in that direction. This is especially true on regular 90 deg. turns- i for sure need to turn the wheel much more than I used to, to complete the turn. It's not in my head- i've had the car for 2 years, so i know what its supposed to feel like, and this handling basically stinks compared to what it was.
My question is, what could possibly have been done to my car to cause this change? the power steering fluid level is normal. the only thing that was supposed to have been changed at the shop where new airbags and a broken window, thats it. Is it possible some control module was altered? any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Is there a free play in your steering wheel ? Without starting your car try to move your
steering wheel slightly to the left or right to check the free play.

 

yes, there does seem to be more free play in the steering wheel, when the car is off. what could this mean?

 

there is no possible way that they could have changed any thing. The stering is a direct link to the power stering rack. how is the air pressure in your tires.

 

hey kris, thanks for taking the time. The pressure in my tires is good (33-34psi all around) I check up on that pretty often. I know that the body shop guy drove my car all around, since there were 100 miles extra on the odometer. I made note of the number when i brought it in to the garage. Maybe he hit a big pot hole and threw the alignment out of whack?

 

check the tie rods.

 

The alignment would be a good place to start. If it was off it would be less responsive (it could also be real darty)