Turbo tie rods make steering stiff?

[robinaube]

I recently installed turbo tie rods on my car and now the steering is stiffer. At first I thought that maybe the tie rods were new and needed to wear a bit. I've driven it at 3 track weekends plus about 1,000 miles to and from the tracks. Is this stiffness normal or could the stiffness be from the new alignment?

Rob

[Zeke]

Did the castor change? This will affect steering feel.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Did you lower the car? If so, you may be starting to put the universal joints in the steering column into a bind. Loosen the bolts that clamp the joints onto the shafts, and wiggle the shafts a bit. When they settle into place, tighten the mounting bolts down.

I am told that it is possible to have this actually freeze up the steering, or to break the universal joint, from this effect! But evidently only when it gets really bad.

So, Rob--still folding yourself up to fit into a 914, eh?

--DD

[robinaube]

Dave,

Yes I'm still driving a 914. The car is lowered but its been at that height for approx 20 years. I will check the steering column universal joints.

[robinaube]

I jacked the car up and double checked turning the steering with the wheels off the ground. The stiffness I was feeling has to be the alignment. The steering moves freely while in the air.