steering characteristics

[nick150]

I just want to check with you experts out there if the steering characteristics of my S3 are normal.

It is very quick to steer, (which is great at 40-50mph on twisty roads) to the extend that the indicators often don't turn off - not enough turn of the wheel to cancel them. However, at around 70-80mph and beyond, the front end feels very light and the steering feels "twitchy" - I don't feel as though I have 100% control of the precise direction.

Is this normal and, if so, are there any recommended fixes?
Cheers
Nick

[GreenV8S]

Its very hard to diagnose this sort of problem without actually driving it. All I can suggest is to check the tyre pressures all round, get the geometry checked, then check the inner wishbone bushes and lower ball joints.

[shnozz]

mine got a bit twitchy at speed. Noticed an improvement when I fitted a new bulkhead bearing. Cheap way of finding out if its that...

[page3]

GreenV8S said:

..then check the inner wishbone bushes and lower ball joints.

I had both of these replaced on mine and the difference it made to steering was dramatic. I'd also suggest checking for worn shocks on the front.

[s2 giles]

It doesnt really help, but i have replaced bulkhead bearing (not just plastic bit) and checked the rack. New shocks & springs now fitted & its excellent now - i hit 120 this weekend and its steady as a rock (better than at 80)

Of course this was a closed private land location.

It may be the rack, as they tend to wear a bit

cheers

[BERGS2]

page3 said:

GreenV8S said: ..then check the inner wishbone bushes and lower ball joints. I had both of these replaced on mine and the difference it made to steering was dramatic. I'd also suggest checking for worn shocks on the front.

is this costly to do? - I would imagine that the bulk of the cost would be labour

Having toyed with the idea of fitting new shocks all round (subsequently realising that I couldn't afford it...) I was considering relacing all the bushes & balljoints anyway - do they do this when they fit new shocks?

would it be worth doing this alone & could it be done by the amateur home mechanic?

cheers,
Tim

[KentishS2]

A while ago I decided to see what my S would do flat out on a "private road" and it felt rather wandering at 130, I did push on to 140 but it was certainly too hairy to keep in a straight line at that speed. No problems at all up to 110-120. At the speeds above 110-120 it felt that the steering was becoming far too sensitive too maintain control over the car. I think my front springs/shocks are a bit weak as my bonnet almost touches the ground when it is opened. Rear shocks had been fitted recently before I bought the car 2 years ago. I think my rear end is rather bouncy, I don't know if this is normal for an S??

[greenv8s]

Dampers, bushes and ball joints are all separate items and would not automatically be changed at the same time. Normally you would expect to check these periodically and replace them as necessary rather than replace them 'just in case'. In particular the wishbone inner bushes on the top wishbone get cooked by the exhaust manifold so well worth checking, but no point replacing if they are still OK.

[nick150]

Thanks for the ideas - I'll start with the cheapest and work my way up.

[z_chromozone]

Bushes would be my first suggestion to, often any movement is very difficult to detect by inspection.

Z

[mgaut]

nick150 said:

However, at around 70-80mph and beyond, the front end feels very light and the steering feels "twitchy" - I don't feel as though I have 100% control of the precise direction. Nick

likewise !!

mine's having new bulkhead bearing (loose) and front wishbone bushes (perishing); I was also told that there are two grease nipples on the steering rack they should be packed with grease; as I'm without the car I can't verify that but it was information from a TVR mechanic.

[chingers]

Likewise again! Not wishing to be pessimistic but I bought the car a year ago and it had several problems in the handling department. It is now 100% better but still has the symptoms exactly as you describe. To date at the front I've upgraded the bulkhead bearing, reconditioned the rack, replaced shocks and springs all round and new tyres all round. Bushes and ball joints all OK. At the back I've replaced a trailing arm due to two different sorts fitted and replaced CVs on one side. Geometries have been checked front and back by TVR specialists but I still take high speed bends quicker in my Volvo 940 than the S2. So like you any suggestions welcome and if you come up with anything I'd be glad to hear it.