Heavy low speed steering - what to check?

[RB30X]

I know I have to get used to not having any power steering in this car but is there anything I should be checking that might make low speed steering heavier than it has to be. Coilovers with stiffer springs are the only suspension mods done atm. Maybe getting a wheel alignment might help things?

 

Tyres are 225's

[Whittie]

Z + 225 tyres = impossible to park

 

You've probably just got good tyres, be thankful they are sticky.

 

I can't think of anything that would make turning the wheel difficult, but perhaps put it up on jack stands and see how difficult it is to turn the wheels by hand, it should be pretty easy. If not, check mounts and bushes to see if the alignment of the rack is good, the column might be stiff. Otherwise, just the luxury of no power steering, free work-out in parking lots

[stevo_gj]

Can't help with what to check.

 

My trick is to always have the car moving very slowly when I'm turning, which takes a little getting used to. Basically in a car park I start turning slightly short of where I normally would. I keep turning the wheel while the car is slowly rolling. Makes it 10x easier

[Riceburner]

If you have an aftermarket smaller wheel it'll be harder again, that's why I went to the 'compe' wheel. Like Steve says you have to be moving slowly to make it easier, if the car is stationary with semi's even he-man himself couldn't turn the wheel. Perhaps that's why he rides a battlecat 

[Zeddophile]

I know I have to get used to not having any power steering in this car but is there anything I should be checking that might make low speed steering heavier than it has to be. Coilovers with stiffer springs are the only suspension mods done atm. Maybe getting a wheel alignment might help things?

 

Tyres are 225's

 

I assume you've checked the obvious, being tyre pressures?  A couple of PSI can make a huge difference on non P/S cars.  Try running around 35-36 PSI if you aren't already (assuming road tyres)...

 

A wheel alignment may also help, increasing castor on an Alfetta definitely makes the steering lighter, even on 225 race tyres...  An increase in negative camber may also help, given that it will reduce the tyre contact patch.  Too much negative camber will make it heavy again though...  However, while all this seems to make my Alfetta steering reasonably light, Zed front ends are completely different design, and may want different setups...

[FLEXZED]

I know I have to get used to not having any power steering in this car but is there anything I should be checking that might make low speed steering heavier than it has to be. Coilovers with stiffer springs are the only suspension mods done atm. Maybe getting a wheel alignment might help things?

 

Tyres are 225's

 

Start pumping iron , concentrate on your biceps and triceps only  :) :)

[zed240au]

Shouldnt be that hard im running shortened  steering knuckles on mine with coil overs ls1 conversion and 235 tyres and its still way easier than my rx4 and a lot of cars that i have come through workshop

Id love to do a rack and pinion steering conversion on the rx4 its a pig in motorkhanas way easier to use hydraulic handbrake to turn

[RB30X]

Yes that is why I called it low speed turning as even the trick of slowly moving doesn't really help much. I have a small wheel too, and the 225's are good toyo's. There is also the slightest amount of free play in the rack. You know when you can move the steering wheel a couple of degrees before it engages with the rack. I'm guessing this is only fixed by rebuilding the rack?

[PZG302]

Yes that is why I called it low speed turning as even the trick of slowly moving doesn't really help much. I have a small wheel too, and the 225's are good toyo's. There is also the slightest amount of free play in the rack. You know when you can move the steering wheel a couple of degrees before it engages with the rack. I'm guessing this is only fixed by rebuilding the rack?

 

Are you sure it's not the rack bushes that are shot!!!!

 

If you get someone to move the steering wheel for you check that the rack itself is not moving. The steering will also feel vague and heavy. Something I didn't pick up on with the 240 as I run 235 slicks and plenty of castor and as much camber as I can so the steering always feel heavy unless at speed and does not feel very direct moving the car around the garage or pits at the track.

 

If it's the rack bushes, Superpro make urethane bushes for less than $50 from memory, and a quick 10 minute fix to replace.

[Roberto]

I would also ensure the upper strut bearings and tie-rod ends have not had it and are well greased.

 

Adding some negative camber would not be a bad idea.  It may help steering effort, but if it doesn't you will still get the cornering benefits......

 

[Shan]

Lowering the car may also have effected your steering.

Search google for "scrub radius" images.  Can really effect things.  May not apply in your case - worth checking though.

[Zedman240®]

A pair of over inflated 165 width tyres will cure it; or just Armstrong Power steering. Sounds like my zed. 225's on the front and heavy as @#$% You do get used to it eventualy.

[Six_Shooter]

There's a reason it's called "Armstrong Steering."

[Scando]

I run 245 semis on the front and a smaller sports wheel and can turn it fine even when stationary and I'm pretty scrawny!

Also running lots of castor which should make it worse but about 4 deg -ve camber which might help things a bit.

[620Z]

Ahhh the age old story. Ha

OLDZMAN beat me to it. Go to the gym and learn to live with it. The only alternative is to pay some cash and take a lot of time to instal a power stearing rack. To be honest I am over it and taking up the power steering option. I must admit the heavy steering does detract from what should be an enjoyable, easy and relaxing drive.

[d3c0y]

im running a 13" nardi steering wheel and 225 tyres and its really not that bad at all to park. I found having your wheel offsets wrong can effect how heavy the steering is. You arent running some bit + offset wheels are you?

[Jz260]

I noticed the same thing when i got my Z. It also has 225's on front and rear.

Tyre pressures were at about 28psi. I increased to 32 and it made a huge difference!

Also started doing more weights.. that helped too.. haha

[Gordo]

Well boys, about ten years ago when sorting out my zed,some one suggested to put more caster on it. So I packed the caster bar with 4mm of washer and raced at Winton. The first race the steering was so heavy I could hardly drive the thing. Needless to say I took them out and it was like power steering. So been there and done that. Give it less caster and it will be better. Guarantee.