zag300zx Posted January 22, 2009 Posted January 22, 2009 Hey Guys, I just bought an 07 LGT 5mt! I've been driving it around for a few days, and one thing in particular bothers me. The steering feels abnormally heavy to me. Now it could be that I have become used to my civic's feather steering, but remember I had an STI less than 6 months ago and a WRX before that. Usually I can one hand steer through parking lots using my palm, but if I tried that in the LGT my arm might break. Has anyone else noticed this or is there something wrong with my car? Fluid level is ok. Am I just being a little sissy? Help!
lawl Posted January 22, 2009 Posted January 22, 2009 get an alignment. car's never had any accidents right? car for sale. PM me!
zag300zx Posted January 22, 2009 Author Posted January 22, 2009 No accidents, I trust the guy I bought it from. One owner. If the alignment was out, I suspect that the car would pull on the freeway, or the wheel would shake? It is dead solid at freeway speeds. I also notice that the further from center I turn the wheel, the easier the power steering gets. Right before I reach full lock it is noticeably easier to turn.
Regal05LGT Posted January 22, 2009 Posted January 22, 2009 So the faster you go, the easier it is to turn the wheel? Power steering shot?
SCSpecB Posted January 22, 2009 Posted January 22, 2009 The steering is definitely different than a WRX/STI, I went through the same "wtf" phase for the first couple of weeks when I switched...Legacy steering is heavier for sure and just takes some getting used to.
Richard B. Posted January 22, 2009 Posted January 22, 2009 The steering is definitely different than a WRX/STI, I went through the same "wtf" phase for the first couple of weeks when I switched...Legacy steering is heavier for sure and just takes some getting used to. yup. now it feels normal. i prefer a wheel with some weight. my old mazda felt darty compared to the gt while doing 100. the steering wheel still has plenty of feedback.
zag300zx Posted February 13, 2009 Author Posted February 13, 2009 Hey Guys, I am getting more used to the steering feel, but it still feels like I am driving around a tank. I am wondering if my PS pump is off a little. Can you guys hear the PS pump whine from inside the car while you turn at very low speeds or at a stop?
SCSpecB Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 Only a slight whine when its cranked all the way to one side, but thats normal (and not a good thing to do often, dry steering no bueno)...I'd get it looked at if you hear it more than just when its cranked all the way to one side.
OhBe1 Posted February 14, 2009 Posted February 14, 2009 Any suspension mods ( to increase caster)? Too much toe-in? 06LOB2.5i MT, JDMRSB, GYTTs, HPS, LGT Mufflers & Leather Wheel, SubiMomo Knob, Inalfa Moonroof, Clutch Switch Bypass, DeDRLd, DeChimed, & Straight Headrest.
zag300zx Posted February 14, 2009 Author Posted February 14, 2009 ^^nope, stock. I am going to investigate this more seriously. Can anybody else confirm that turning the wheel even a little bit produces no PS whine? If I go full lock the sound does get louder (it actually has a slight change in feel, slightly notchy at the end). I am going to try putting some PS fluid in which is slightly less viscous than ATF fluid.
RJS5689 Posted February 15, 2009 Posted February 15, 2009 The steering is definitely different than a WRX/STI, I went through the same "wtf" phase for the first couple of weeks when I switched...Legacy steering is heavier for sure and just takes some getting used to. Yea, used to because it's so light. To the OP: I would have it checked out. The steering in the Legacy is actually pretty light/easy. Personally I think it's way too light. My PS pump makes absolutely no noise, ever.
zag300zx Posted February 18, 2009 Author Posted February 18, 2009 FYI, I replaced the ATF fluid with PS fluid and added a half bottle of Redline PS Conditioner/Stop Leak and that reduced the steering effort by about 30%! My pump still makes some noise, but at least the car feels much more agile and fun to drive.
j255c Posted February 18, 2009 Posted February 18, 2009 im trying to make my steering heavier, its way to light for my taste. 06 TB EVO IX SE stock turbo monster subaru hater
zag300zx Posted February 18, 2009 Author Posted February 18, 2009 im trying to make my steering heavier, its way to light for my taste. If you add caster that will definitely increase steering weight.
j255c Posted February 19, 2009 Posted February 19, 2009 already have the perrin psrs caster adjustment and decent camber -1.5 in the front. 06 TB EVO IX SE stock turbo monster subaru hater
oddseth Posted February 19, 2009 Posted February 19, 2009 Check your power steering fluid levels. I remember hearing some strange groaning noises when I moved my steering wheel in enclosed areas like parking garages. After topping off my fluid, I no longer had any issues. You might be running a bit low. And yes, the steering in an LGT is much stiffer. Whenever I spend more than a day or two in a rental car the LGT's steering always feels much tighter.
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