Increase steering wheel resistance?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 358
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, OH
Increase steering wheel resistance?
Hi, ever since I started driving my TL I have noticed that the steering wheel is really sensitive to turning. Is there any way we can adjust, or buy something to increase the resistance? It seems quite unstable on the road compared to newer cars that I have driven.
could try the Type S steering rack. Have heard good things about that but not sure if it'll give you exactly what you're looking for but a lot of base TL's have said the Type S rack feels better to them.
^we found out that its not the steering rack, as both type-s and base have the same steering ratio..
simply replacing the rack with a NEW one will get you that tight feeling again.
simply replacing the rack with a NEW one will get you that tight feeling again.
So this mod is very interesting to me. I just got a new to me TL (2004 6MT wNavi) and one of the two things that I don't is the steering (the other is the Navi it is never right/outdated???) 
My concern with this mod is most places that sell re-manufactured parts don't tell you if it came from an "S" model or not. So I started looking into what the differences are. From OEM part stores there is a difference in part numbers: Type-S and BASE. So there must be a difference right? Well I was unable to verify if the steering ratio actually is different. See here. And after further investigation it looks like from these pages Type-S and BASE the only difference is the valve housing. So there is a difference but it is not the ratio that changes it's only the valving.
Can someone who has done the mod and/or someone with a 07-08 Type-S See how many turns lock to lock is, so we can see if the Type-S has a quicker rack? If the rack is the same it looks like we can just buy a new valve housing for $45 and be on our way (granted it will probably be a little more difficult than just a straight swap...)
It does not look like you can change the valving in the PS pump though, that one we will have to buy as a unit.
Thanks
My concern with this mod is most places that sell re-manufactured parts don't tell you if it came from an "S" model or not. So I started looking into what the differences are. From OEM part stores there is a difference in part numbers: Type-S and BASE. So there must be a difference right? Well I was unable to verify if the steering ratio actually is different. See here. And after further investigation it looks like from these pages Type-S and BASE the only difference is the valve housing. So there is a difference but it is not the ratio that changes it's only the valving.
Can someone who has done the mod and/or someone with a 07-08 Type-S See how many turns lock to lock is, so we can see if the Type-S has a quicker rack? If the rack is the same it looks like we can just buy a new valve housing for $45 and be on our way (granted it will probably be a little more difficult than just a straight swap...)
It does not look like you can change the valving in the PS pump though, that one we will have to buy as a unit.
Thanks
After figuring out both racks have the same ratio, I would not waste money on this mod. The only thing you get is a wheel that's harder to turn without the benefits of a quicker steering ratio. You're spending $350-$500 in parts alone to make your steering wheel harder to turn with no performance benefit.
.Last edited by justnspace; May 24, 2011 at 03:04 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: NYC
When I got my 06 AV6 with only 20k miles, the steering was VERY tight and heavy. I loved it. Now at 64k miles (majority being NY driving) I need all new struts, and my compliance bushings, lower ball joints, and damper fork bushings in the control arms all went bad.
My steering is noticeably wandery and light when compared to new. Even after replacing the compliance bushings (the others still need replacing).
Basically, check the suspension
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 358
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, OH
I have brand new Falken ZX tires and have Tein SS suspension, so I dont think those components are contributing to my feather light steering. Isn't an underdrive pully more used for acccelleration and not steering? I am confused!
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 87
Likes: 8
From: CT
i like the tighter feel also .. on all my old vws i just pulled the power steering out .. on my tl it seems like some days the steering wheel is tighter than on other days , i still havent gotten to the bottom of it yet .. when i first bought my tl i was blown away on how tight and solid it felt , the car literally felt like it was made out of one solid piece of metal.
. 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 1,818
From: Bakersfield
Tighter can mean a lot of things. Do you have too much on center play in the wheel? Is it just too easy to turn? Believe it or not, replacing my stock fluid with Amsoil helped out in the steering feel department. If feels lighter at low speeds and the same or heavier at higher speeds.
Cruising in my
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 5
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
A stiffer fsb will make it feel more stable at higher speeds.
Tighter can mean a lot of things. Do you have too much on center play in the wheel? Is it just too easy to turn? Believe it or not, replacing my stock fluid with Amsoil helped out in the steering feel department. If feels lighter at low speeds and the same or heavier at higher speeds.
Tighter can mean a lot of things. Do you have too much on center play in the wheel? Is it just too easy to turn? Believe it or not, replacing my stock fluid with Amsoil helped out in the steering feel department. If feels lighter at low speeds and the same or heavier at higher speeds.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 1,818
From: Bakersfield
If that's the case, I believe the Type S pressure relief valve is a direct drop in on the base power steering pump. It should lower pressure and increase steering effort. If I remember right it doesn't cost too much.
^Hey IHC - do you think you can refer us to a part number by any chance? Did you do this yourself? This sounds like a promising, affordable solution that can help out with this soft steering issue which i have myself ... a pita if you ask me @_@
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 1,818
From: Bakersfield
Here's the thread. It looks like the diagram with part numbers is down but I'm sure they're in there somewhere. It looks like the entire pump assembly is pretty cheap as well. If you end up doing it, let me know, I would be interested in whatever changes you notice.
^think you're missing the thread link haha
Did a quick search - is this the thread you were referring to? I actually posted in here a while back thinking the entire overhaul replacement would be the only solution, but reading the last post, I guess only replacing the type-s valve housing would provide a substantial difference in steering "sloppiness"
I think I may give this a go and replace the steering fluid at the same time hrmmm
PS- please correct me if im wrong ihc - thanks!
Did a quick search - is this the thread you were referring to? I actually posted in here a while back thinking the entire overhaul replacement would be the only solution, but reading the last post, I guess only replacing the type-s valve housing would provide a substantial difference in steering "sloppiness"
I think I may give this a go and replace the steering fluid at the same time hrmmm
PS- please correct me if im wrong ihc - thanks!
wow that's pretty embarrassing ... i forgot to include a link as well @__@
Here it is: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=steering+pump
Here it is: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=steering+pump
I think I'll try the Amsoil fluid for starters. My car only has 74k on it, but I hate the way the steering feels at higher speeds. I never realized how much I didn't like it until I drove a 335i last year. Not sure if it had the active steering or not, but either way, it had the sport package and ~25k and made my car feel like a '76 Eldorado in comparison. I know, I know it's the benchmark of sport sedans I'm comparing to, but I've got the Progress RSB ready to install when I get the chance, and I really want to improve the steering feel as well.
I know this would be a big change for the TL being it has tons of features on the steering wheel but a smaller steering wheel would give a "tighter" feeling to it. My new NRG wheel is probably about an inch smaller than the stock one and I think the steering is much more responsive.
Again Disclaimer - many wouldn't do this but I figured I'd throw it out there anyways.
Again Disclaimer - many wouldn't do this but I figured I'd throw it out there anyways.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 1,818
From: Bakersfield
wow that's pretty embarrassing ... i forgot to include a link as well @__@
Here it is: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=steering+pump
Here it is: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=steering+pump
I don't think this is needed unless you're have to replace your rack. I've had mine flushed and changed. I also have coilovers, aftermarket strut tower brace, and fresh tires. Steering response is great!
I think I'll try the Amsoil fluid for starters. My car only has 74k on it, but I hate the way the steering feels at higher speeds. I never realized how much I didn't like it until I drove a 335i last year. Not sure if it had the active steering or not, but either way, it had the sport package and ~25k and made my car feel like a '76 Eldorado in comparison. I know, I know it's the benchmark of sport sedans I'm comparing to, but I've got the Progress RSB ready to install when I get the chance, and I really want to improve the steering feel as well.
I know this would be a big change for the TL being it has tons of features on the steering wheel but a smaller steering wheel would give a "tighter" feeling to it. My new NRG wheel is probably about an inch smaller than the stock one and I think the steering is much more responsive.
Again Disclaimer - many wouldn't do this but I figured I'd throw it out there anyways.
Again Disclaimer - many wouldn't do this but I figured I'd throw it out there anyways.
LOL
much to do!
And a type-s pump will help with firmness at higher rpms...
Say what you will but these two mods are still on my list. But I understand the firmness is mainly coming from a newer rack.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 1,818
From: Bakersfield
The power steering pump is where the big changes can be made.
I still don't get why people want heavier steering. If it means less torque steer or a quicker ratio or better feedback it would make sense but it does none of these, it just makes you work harder.
I don't know. I'm going to flush my ps fluid this weekend and see what kind of results I get. But even my wifes civic, the steering just feels soooo much better then the TL. It's solid. I know there are a lot of parts at play there, and it's apples and oranges, but it is one of the few things I dislike about my car.
Cruisin'
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
I have to chime in on this...as I have had my 2008 base TL for about 5 months. In the time that I have had it, I replaced all four rotors and pads, had an alignment done, and replaced the tires with 190$ michelin primacys. All in hopes to get rid of the high frequency vibration (or "uneasiness" in the wheel at higher speeds, for a lack of a better term). The replaced rotors helped with a shudder that I felt when braking from high speeds. But I still have a weird feeling in the wheel at high speed, and when driving long distances it drives me crazy. It really pisses me off cause its literally the only thing i hate about the dam car. Could it be a 'worn out' steering pump? sounds dumb but not ruling anything out at this point.
Car has 40k miles on it...please keep the posts rolling on this thread
Car has 40k miles on it...please keep the posts rolling on this thread
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 358
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, OH
I have to chime in on this...as I have had my 2008 base TL for about 5 months. In the time that I have had it, I replaced all four rotors and pads, had an alignment done, and replaced the tires with 190$ michelin primacys. All in hopes to get rid of the high frequency vibration (or "uneasiness" in the wheel at higher speeds, for a lack of a better term). The replaced rotors helped with a shudder that I felt when braking from high speeds. But I still have a weird feeling in the wheel at high speed, and when driving long distances it drives me crazy. It really pisses me off cause its literally the only thing i hate about the dam car. Could it be a 'worn out' steering pump? sounds dumb but not ruling anything out at this point.
Car has 40k miles on it...please keep the posts rolling on this thread
Car has 40k miles on it...please keep the posts rolling on this thread
http://www.gsp9700.com/search/findgsp9700.cfm
For me, the vibrations started to come when I hit about 60 and became unbarable when I would be driving 75-80 mph... I HATE IT!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rockyboy
2G RDX (2013-2018)
171
Aug 4, 2024 10:35 AM
