increasing self centering EP3, Caster?

increasing self centering EP3, Caster?

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Discussion

Norfolkandchance

Original Poster:

2,010 posts

198 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
quotequote all
Hi,

I had an EP3 Type R from new so I know the EPS was always a bit strange, particularly a few degrees off straight ahead.

I have recently bought another one and the "duff" steering I remember is still there but it also doesn't self center very well. So exiting a T junction you have to actually straighten the steering rather than letting it do it itself as the wheel runs through your hands. I don't remember my old car doing this back in the day.

I've done research and read several people saying that this was how they always were but that isn't my recollection.

Its disconcerting and I'm reluctant to let my wife drive it as I'm worried she'll have an issue.

You don't notice at speed / on the track, by the way, it just feel unpleasant on the road.

I wondered about increasing the caster, or could age have introduced some stiction into the system?

Thanks

Turkish91

1,084 posts

201 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
quotequote all
I know that some people racing in the Civic Cup have filed out the holes on the body for the front top mounts which gives an increase in caster and helps with steering feel. I also found mine felt 10000x better after a fast road geo setup, with added adjustable camber all round.

lewisr81

28 posts

84 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
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SuperPro make caster increasing bushes for the front LCAs, thats probably a good starting point for you

Sportse

7 posts

116 months

Thursday 3rd August 2017
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The early electric power steering had a common fault where it would be notchy around the centre and not self-centre.

I had my steering rack replaced under warranty, but I believe you can get them overhauled much cheaper now.

On my car you could drive round in circles without any steering input! On the motorway it was tiring to drive as you had to apply pressure before you overcame the straight ahead notch.

There was an official Honda test the dealer did where they reverse on full lock & see if/how long it takes to self-centre. If it took over a certain time then they replaced the rack.

Edited by Sportse on Thursday 3rd August 07:20

Norfolkandchance

Original Poster:

2,010 posts

198 months

Thursday 3rd August 2017
quotequote all
Thanks for all the replies. I'll look at a fast road set up then, if it's still a problem, getting the rack rebuilt and then maybe look at the caster. Any recommendations for rack rebuilders?

DRCAGE

499 posts

164 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
Not sure about your specific problem, but I can't recommend the caster bushes enough, really felt like they added a decent amount of steering weight/self centering.

Norfolkandchance

Original Poster:

2,010 posts

198 months

Tuesday 12th September 2017
quotequote all
DRCAGE said:
Not sure about your specific problem, but I can't recommend the caster bushes enough, really felt like they added a decent amount of steering weight/self centering.
thanks for all the replies.

Are any brands better thought of than others?

traffman

2,263 posts

208 months

Sunday 17th September 2017
quotequote all
Ive had the Superpro Caster bushes fitted , Eibach Springs , hardrace camber arms and a fast road set up carried out.

The difference is outstanding.

Pm me if you want more details.

Norfolkandchance

Original Poster:

2,010 posts

198 months

Monday 18th September 2017
quotequote all
Thanks all.

I often read that things were better on the post facelift cars. Has anyone ever worked out why? The racks and OEM bushes, for example, don't have different part numbers for facelift / non facelift or anything like that, do they?

DRCAGE

499 posts

164 months

Saturday 23rd September 2017
quotequote all
Norfolkandchance said:
Thanks all.

I often read that things were better on the post facelift cars. Has anyone ever worked out why? The racks and OEM bushes, for example, don't have different part numbers for facelift / non facelift or anything like that, do they?
I ended up fitting a facelift rack to my pre facelift, I heard they were a bit quicker? but never really confirmed it. Did it at the same time as completely refreshing the front end, with the caster bushes etc. Feels like a different car, but all the bushes on mine were goosed by then anyway.