How heavy is the steering supposed to be?

Periokid · 08-24-2001, 06:12 PM

My 911 seems so hard to turn.

Slight steering inputs seem easy but left and right turns require a lot of effort.

The more I have to turn the wheel, the more effort I need. Is this normal?

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David

1988 911 Carrera Coupe
Leonoff Net

rstoll · 08-24-2001, 06:30 PM

No, not normal. I think there was a thread a while back about lubing the universals down the steering column.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

89Targa · 08-24-2001, 08:16 PM

At what speed are you having a problem? These cars do not have power steering, so at low speeds (like manuvering around a parking lot) they can drive a little like a truck. Once you get past 20 mph the steering should lighten up dramatically.

Tom

Periokid · 08-24-2001, 08:18 PM

It happens at all speeds. Not light at all even above 20 mph. Left and right turns require high effort.

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David

1988 911 Carrera Coupe
Leonoff Net

old_skul · 08-24-2001, 08:43 PM

Try replacing your steering column bushing, and lubricating the universal joints as well. The steel replacement bushing that I bought here at Pelican installed really easily and dramatically lightened my steering.

I knew something was wrong when I drove my friend's SC and his steering was so much lighter I thought he might have power steering.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

expat · 08-24-2001, 09:14 PM

Your not alone. My '87 is heavy as hell at all speeds and when you travelling bends at reasonable speed (not flat out), its heavy very heavy. I feel like I'm wrestling with the steering wheel to stop it from trying to straighten up. I tried lubricating the steering joints but it made no difference.

Cheers
Mark

Early_S_Man · 08-24-2001, 09:52 PM

Have you checked your front tire pressures lately?

Put the front end up on jack stands, and check the effort again ... try rapid turns ... back and forth. Listen for any squeaks, or grinding sounds.

Finally, pull off that splash shield and examine the rack boots for cracks or tears, and evidence of dirt getting inside the boots.
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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[This message has been edited by Early_S_Man (edited 08-25-2001).]

stlrj · 08-25-2001, 08:09 AM

Alignment could contribute to heavy steering feel if there is too much negative camber and too much caster.

How did the SC compare? Was the ride height the same?

Joe

Periokid · 08-25-2001, 10:31 AM

Interesting comment about the caster.

My car has a strong urge to center the steering wheel after a turn.

You really have to fight the wheel.

Isn't this a sign of high positive caster.

I'm not talking camber here.

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David

1988 911 Carrera Coupe
Leonoff Net

Early_S_Man · 08-25-2001, 10:56 AM

Yes, the high caster angle designs have high self-centering steering forces! Chevrolet Engineering discovered this from analysis of Mercedes suspension designs and the good handling traits they had in some rather boring-looking sedans of the '60s ... and incorporated a unique (to GM) high-caster design into the 1972 Monte Carlo and Grand Prix! Praise was universal in the motoring press!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

Periokid · 08-25-2001, 06:47 PM

So should I reduce the caster?

Early_S_Man · 08-25-2001, 06:56 PM

Not if it is within spec!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

Periokid · 08-25-2001, 07:03 PM

Ok, suppose my car is within spec (not sure yet), is my current steering situation normal? If not and the caster is OK what should I look to do?

GREEN78SC · 08-25-2001, 08:41 PM

CHECI TIRE PRESSURE... most heavy steering problems are solved after a little air is applied to the front tires.

expat · 08-25-2001, 11:30 PM

Yeah, I think we all know about air pressure so we can move away from this thought...

The castor issue is very interesting - I have no experience in steering and suspension issues so should I send the car to a dealer or porsche experienced shop to check the castor? My car really wants to pull the steering back into a straight line which is really uncomfortable when I'm trying to push it thru a corner...any bump seems to send it back to centre too.
David...if you persist following this issue, please keep this post updated because I think there's a few people with the same thoughts, including me! Have you changed the bushings as suggested by Early_S_Man (I think it was him)?
Cheers
Mark

Periokid · 08-26-2001, 06:27 AM

I did not change the bushing. I have had the car for about 2 months. The PO put turbo tie rods in.

I have had cars with manual steering before, but this car is a bear to drive.

I'll play with the tire pressure first. seem like the easiest thing to do first.

911 · 08-26-2001, 06:37 AM

If the PO put in turbo tie rods, then your car should turn with very little effort - almost fingertip type drivimg.

[This message has been edited by 911 (edited 08-26-2001).]

Periokid · 08-26-2001, 06:50 AM

Fingertip...Hmmm.

Not at all like my car. Something is not right.

stlrj · 08-26-2001, 08:39 AM

Even Porsche has played around with caster on the 911's, starting with the early years set at 6.75 degrees, later revising the 69's with 6 degrees until 1989 when they changed caster to 4 1/2 with the 964's and then the 993's moved up to 5 degrees.

Maybe they reduced caster due to complaints of heavy steering?

Take your choice,

Joe

Early_S_Man · 08-26-2001, 09:38 AM

Try lubricating the two U-joints first!

This problem DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH CASTER!!!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler