Hi Everyone:

I'm considering new cars at the moment and one of the top cars on my list is the TL. I really love this car in almost every respect. However, there is one big issues that will likely keep me from buying this car unless I figure out a way to get around this issue. I find the steering over-assisted and too light for what I'm used to (I currently drive and Audi TT). Do any of you know of any mods or anything I can do to make the TL steering less ligth/assisted? I used to own an Audi Allroad where if you took out a certain relay, the power steering booster was cut in half and the steering because half as light. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks
T1328

 

Not going to get around this one. You're not going to get the same feedback from the steering you'll get from other cars. I have an '05, just installed the factory A-spec suspension sans heavier sway bar. It does handle much better, but still not getting close to the same feedback as other cars.

I plan on putting new tires for the spring, and possibly RSB, but not anticipating any huge change. It is what it is.

 

for your information, the TL steering wheel is already a lot heavier than a Lexus, Lincoln or some other luxury brands.........

anything even heavier would just be non power steering.

 

I can't speak for t1328, welcome by the way, but I believe he is trying to say, and what I said, was it's the feedback you get from the steering.

If you're not saying that, t1328,let me speak for myself and say, it's not the "light or heavy feeling". It's the way the road gets communicated back to the driver. I absolutely love the TL, but I do miss that communication I had with the road. I haven't driven any new Lincolns or Lexus as of late, so I can't compare those, but I have driven some BMWs, MBs,Audis, and even the TSX which offered that more, what I consider, sporty feel.

Not to waiver from the original statement of handling only, absolutely nothing to do with quality, cost of car or craftsmanship.

 

The sportier cars use a diff means of power steering, I had an integra, and it was stiffer than the TL.

But its something you get used to easily, and you understand how the car communicats, because all cars are diff at doing so.

 

About six months ago one of the trade rags (I think it was Motortrend) did an article about FWD vs RWD vs AWD. They claim that the FWD cars have less road feel because they essential have to engineer it out to avoid torque steer.

That said, I think Acura has probably prefected FWD - allowing as much road feel as possible wwithout letting the torque steer overwelm the driver.

 

Take the power steering belt off will give you a tight feel.

 

I really don't think it has anything to do with FWD as the magazine inferred.

I had a '99 Passat with sports suspension and it had that same road feel as the RWD cars I spoke about before. Go figure.

 

I was happy to notice that it was heavier than I expected . Coming from other "euro" cars I was also used to a heavier feel but the TL isn't too light for me.

I bet you could find some custom shop to mod the system, rack, pump, valving (perhaps some combination of all) but it's gonna cost you in $ and voiding parts of your warrantee. Just a guess. If you have any good Honda/Acura indies in your area you might call them.

As far as a relay, I don't know about that but I'd be hesitant to pull anything.

Go for another extended test drive and see if it is really that bad or just something you are getting too fixated on.

 

Immediate upgrades should be suspension.I can recommend the A-Spec suspension & CompTech RSB.That will help a lot,even with the steering.
I can relate to you since the TT and GTI are very simliar,same engine even.I just got out of a '02 VW GTI 1.8T w/ the sports package suspension and wheels and I know what you mean.Had my TL a month and got the A-Spec suspension and CT RSB and now it's a whole different driving experience.
Do this and I think you'll be happy with the TL.

A-Spec suspension: Acura of Las Vegas on their E-bay store - $675 shipped
CompTech RSB:Acura of Escondido - $105 shipped
Installation:JTso (Johnny) moderator from TSX forum,lives nearby: $180
Total: $960 to transform the TL into what it should be from the start.

 

It's variable assist. Most of your better cars today (read that as in driving machines) don't have power steering.. they have power assist steering (I know, symantics).

Anyway, the TL, like many, reduces the assist as the vehicle's speed increases. Actually, as far as FWD cars go, I find it to be quite good.. the second best I've ever had. One really nice thing is the 2.7 turns lock-to-lock.

 

The A-Spec suspension will tighten the steering, along with decent all-season performance tires. My car is much more responsive with it than without it. As regulars to the site know, I wuv it!

Alternately, other spring/shock options will do much the same (Comptech/Eibach/H&R/etc) with more of a drop in the car than the A-Spec.