997tt steering issue?
Discussion
Hello all, I wonder if some of you 997tt owners can help.
I've just sold a 996C4S which I had for 3 years and loved, and bought a 997tt which I am slowly getting used to. It's an awesome car. I'm also getting used to the foibles of the 997, I am nearly used to the notchy short shifter and stiff second gear when cold, and the effects of the PASM button!
However, I have a question about the steering. At lower speeds it's perfect, but when I get to about 80 mph (on a track of course!) and running in a straight line it feels like the steering wheel is squirming a little. It's not a massive effect, but it just feels like the power steering is pushing and pulling against my hands a little. At first I thought it might be the wind or the road, but it seems to be there all the time.
Is this normal? Or is there likely to be a problem with the steering/geo?
I've read a few articles that say the 997 steering is quite different to the 996, and one that says it is a little squirmy, but I thought I'd ask those of you that have 997s, and especially those coming out of a 996, whether this is a common trait?
Thanks in advance.
Gary
I've just sold a 996C4S which I had for 3 years and loved, and bought a 997tt which I am slowly getting used to. It's an awesome car. I'm also getting used to the foibles of the 997, I am nearly used to the notchy short shifter and stiff second gear when cold, and the effects of the PASM button!
However, I have a question about the steering. At lower speeds it's perfect, but when I get to about 80 mph (on a track of course!) and running in a straight line it feels like the steering wheel is squirming a little. It's not a massive effect, but it just feels like the power steering is pushing and pulling against my hands a little. At first I thought it might be the wind or the road, but it seems to be there all the time.
Is this normal? Or is there likely to be a problem with the steering/geo?
I've read a few articles that say the 997 steering is quite different to the 996, and one that says it is a little squirmy, but I thought I'd ask those of you that have 997s, and especially those coming out of a 996, whether this is a common trait?
Thanks in advance.
Gary
Definitely does not squirm all the way to a 100 on a track of course, and in fact is one of the few performance cars that does not seem to tramline in standard setup. I suggest you need to check the tyre pressures, possibly check the balance of the front wheels (balance on the bolt holes rather than the centre - some tyre places are lazy!), maybe check the tracking, followed by the suspension. obviously testing after each change. Hopefully someone will suggest checking the Geo and give you Chris' address 
which maybe you best bet/cheapest after checking the obvious...
Have you hit any big potholes recently? How is the wear on the tyres? I ran over a big pot hole recently and traced the problem to a bent track rod end, even though the problem seemed have been resolved when the tracking was reset.
which maybe you best bet/cheapest after checking the obvious...Have you hit any big potholes recently? How is the wear on the tyres? I ran over a big pot hole recently and traced the problem to a bent track rod end, even though the problem seemed have been resolved when the tracking was reset.
.. err think its Chris at http://www.centergravity.co.uk/ for checking and setting geo if it comes to that. Can someone confirm???
Thanks, will get it checked I think.
I've already adjusted the tyre pressures (they were out) but this didn't make much of a difference.
There's 3mm of Pirelli P zero rossos left across both front tyres. Not huge amounts, but I've had lower tyres on the 996 and not had this. The rears are brnnd new and matched to the front.
My concern is that it feels like the power steering is doing something it shouldn't, the 'squirming' I described is a little like it's trying to fight with me a little.
Not sure about potholes or damage, I've only had it two weeks. It felt fine on the test drive but we didn't get up to those speeds then. The OPC did a 111 point check on it and said it was in good condition, but I know that they only give things a cursory glance.
Might have to make another call to Mike at S&C soon.
Gary
I've already adjusted the tyre pressures (they were out) but this didn't make much of a difference.
There's 3mm of Pirelli P zero rossos left across both front tyres. Not huge amounts, but I've had lower tyres on the 996 and not had this. The rears are brnnd new and matched to the front.
My concern is that it feels like the power steering is doing something it shouldn't, the 'squirming' I described is a little like it's trying to fight with me a little.
Not sure about potholes or damage, I've only had it two weeks. It felt fine on the test drive but we didn't get up to those speeds then. The OPC did a 111 point check on it and said it was in good condition, but I know that they only give things a cursory glance.
Might have to make another call to Mike at S&C soon.
Gary
An update... today when starting and pulling out of the drive I heard a little screech from the back of the car (lasted about a second or two) and then the steering went heavy for a few seconds, but after that returned to normal. Car then drove fine for the next half hour, albeit at low speeds.
I'm no mechanic, but I'm suspecting the power steering pump or drive belt might at fault here. Thoughts?
Gary
I'm no mechanic, but I'm suspecting the power steering pump or drive belt might at fault here. Thoughts?
Gary
gd said:
There's 3mm of Pirelli P zero rossos left across both front tyres. Not huge amounts, but I've had lower tyres on the 996 and not had this. The rears are brnnd new and matched to the front.
Gary
Whilst all the other solutions suggested here may well fix your problem, I strongly suspect the real issue here lies with those three words and one letter ..... Gary
Don't mess around, get a set of Michelin PS2s (or better still, SuperSports) fitted, and then report back to us.
Edit, Yes, sounds as if the PAS belt may be tired or need adjusting. Either way, I'd ditch the Pirellis. If you doubt my word as to their suitability for a car such as a 997T, do a search on here for confirmation . . . . .
Edited by Slippydiff on Tuesday 21st August 18:33
gd said:
An update... today when starting and pulling out of the drive I heard a little screech from the back of the car (lasted about a second or two) and then the steering went heavy for a few seconds, but after that returned to normal. Car then drove fine for the next half hour, albeit at low speeds.
I'm no mechanic, but I'm suspecting the power steering pump or drive belt might at fault here. Thoughts?
Gary
Hi Gary, was it raining or wet ? They sometimes do this when the drive belt gets wet after being washed or heavy rain....I'm no mechanic, but I'm suspecting the power steering pump or drive belt might at fault here. Thoughts?
Gary
As slippy has said the tyres are next to useless on Porsche cars as the sidewalls seem to be too weak and the tyres tramline an awful lot.
Mike
Gary , my god unbelievable - three weeks ago i sold my 996 C4S which I had for two and a half years and bought a 2006 997 tt with 8000 miles . I totally get what you mean about the steering - mine is nothing sinister , nothing grim but there is a very different sensation through the wheel in comparison to the C4s . My new car had the 111 point OPC check and , upon my request , got trailered from Cardiff to my home in Glasgow so it hadn't been on the road as such - id say , in my case , it's just the genetic feel of the car and I'm perfectly happy with it . Taking a bit of getting used to especially as I loved the c4s so much - it's VERY different ......... But so far I'm delighted.
sportsandclassic said:
Hi Gary, was it raining or wet ? They sometimes do this when the drive belt gets wet after being washed or heavy rain....
As slippy has said the tyres are next to useless on Porsche cars as the sidewalls seem to be too weak and the tyres tramline an awful lot.
Mike
Hi Mike, yes it was pretty wet... have to admit that's a new one on me! Another 997 foible?As slippy has said the tyres are next to useless on Porsche cars as the sidewalls seem to be too weak and the tyres tramline an awful lot.
Mike
I will need a new set of front tyres soon, so that might solve the problem. Never had an issue with tramlining before either, having read a few posts on here now that might well be it.
See you next week,
Gary
Slippydiff said:
Edit, Yes, sounds as if the PAS belt may be tired or need adjusting. Either way, I'd ditch the Pirellis. If you doubt my word as to their suitability for a car such as a 997T, do a search on here for confirmation . . . . .
Thanks. It's going into Mike at S&C next week for a check over, and he's posted here so we can check the belt then. And I don't doubt the expertise of this board, that's why I'm here :-) Looks like I will need a new set of tyres then...Edited by Slippydiff on Tuesday 21st August 18:33
Gary
Por911T said:
Gary , my god unbelievable - three weeks ago i sold my 996 C4S which I had for two and a half years and bought a 2006 997 tt with 8000 miles . I totally get what you mean about the steering - mine is nothing sinister , nothing grim but there is a very different sensation through the wheel in comparison to the C4s . My new car had the 111 point OPC check and , upon my request , got trailered from Cardiff to my home in Glasgow so it hadn't been on the road as such - id say , in my case , it's just the genetic feel of the car and I'm perfectly happy with it . Taking a bit of getting used to especially as I loved the c4s so much - it's VERY different ......... But so far I'm delighted.
Wow, it's a small world, eh! I'm glad you're delighted too, and I totally agree that this is a VERY different car to the C4S, addictive even. I have to admit I've taken the long way home and been for some unsolicited drives over the past two weeks, just to drink it in :-) Not done that for a while!Although I'm wondering if there is an issue at all (as you say it's not sinister, just different, and it passed the 111 point check too) it sounds like I do need some new tyres, and it's going into Mike at Sports & Classic for a checkover too, just to put my mind at rest.
Have you posted any pics yet??? I'm waiting for a good day to take some of mine.
Cheers
Gary
Sorry but I have to contradict the advice on choice of tyres for the 997 Turbo. I changed from the usual factory fitted Michelin PS2 to Pirelli P Zero Corsa's on F&R and I found they improved steering precision and bettered performance in the wet against the Michelin.
Michelin's may be harder wearing but are not good in cold and wet weather or steering precision.
I have also changed the power steering pulley to a one piece under drive (reduced diameter) pulley and belt, which resolves belt slippage and improves steering feel.
Michelin's may be harder wearing but are not good in cold and wet weather or steering precision.
I have also changed the power steering pulley to a one piece under drive (reduced diameter) pulley and belt, which resolves belt slippage and improves steering feel.
hog 1 said:
Sorry but I have to contradict the advice on choice of tyres for the 997 Turbo. I changed from the usual factory fitted Michelin PS2 to Pirelli P Zero Corsa's on F&R and I found they improved steering precision and bettered performance in the wet against the Michelin.
Michelin's may be harder wearing but are not good in cold and wet weather or steering precision.
I have also changed the power steering pulley to a one piece under drive (reduced diameter) pulley and belt, which resolves belt slippage and improves steering feel.
I too am sorry . . . . . . .Michelin's may be harder wearing but are not good in cold and wet weather or steering precision.
I have also changed the power steering pulley to a one piece under drive (reduced diameter) pulley and belt, which resolves belt slippage and improves steering feel.
that you haven't read the previous posts before putting fingers to keyboard.
I concur that the Pirelli P Zero Corsa is a superb tyre . . . .
Slippydiff said:
hog 1 said:
Sorry but I have to contradict the advice on choice of tyres for the 997 Turbo. I changed from the usual factory fitted Michelin PS2 to Pirelli P Zero Corsa's on F&R and I found they improved steering precision and bettered performance in the wet against the Michelin.
Michelin's may be harder wearing but are not good in cold and wet weather or steering precision.
I have also changed the power steering pulley to a one piece under drive (reduced diameter) pulley and belt, which resolves belt slippage and improves steering feel.
I too am sorry . . . . . . .Michelin's may be harder wearing but are not good in cold and wet weather or steering precision.
I have also changed the power steering pulley to a one piece under drive (reduced diameter) pulley and belt, which resolves belt slippage and improves steering feel.
that you haven't read the previous posts before putting fingers to keyboard.
I concur that the Pirelli P Zero Corsa is a superb tyre . . . .
gd said:
Thanks. It's going into Mike at S&C next week for a check over, and he's posted here so we can check the belt then. And I don't doubt the expertise of this board, that's why I'm here :-) Looks like I will need a new set of tyres then...
Gary
Yep get it checked at S&C - they seem to be well respected and report back Gary
It's like being a hypercondriac - I may have the same problem on my garage queen as well! (don't even know it yet)
Well, time to report back.
Mike took the car out for a drive this week and concurred that it was all over the place at motorway speeds and beyond. Not at all as it should be. To be honest I was glad that it wasn't just me that thought it was off!
Job number one was to replace all the Pirelli PZero Rossos with Michelin Pilot Sports.
Job number two was to sort out the geometry with a full 4-wheel alignment.
The car now drives perfectly, exactly as I hoped it would. Rock solid on the road and no more tramlining/odd pulling sensations from the steering. I have to say that Mike was spot on in his diagnosis and the work he's done to sort it out, so another big recommendation for Sports and Classic from me.
Now, if anyone fancies a set of nearly new (300 mile old) 305/30ZR19 PZero Rossos I've just put them on eBay....
Cheers
Gary
Mike took the car out for a drive this week and concurred that it was all over the place at motorway speeds and beyond. Not at all as it should be. To be honest I was glad that it wasn't just me that thought it was off!
Job number one was to replace all the Pirelli PZero Rossos with Michelin Pilot Sports.
Job number two was to sort out the geometry with a full 4-wheel alignment.
The car now drives perfectly, exactly as I hoped it would. Rock solid on the road and no more tramlining/odd pulling sensations from the steering. I have to say that Mike was spot on in his diagnosis and the work he's done to sort it out, so another big recommendation for Sports and Classic from me.
Now, if anyone fancies a set of nearly new (300 mile old) 305/30ZR19 PZero Rossos I've just put them on eBay....
Cheers
Gary
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