E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)

[M@_]

Don’t overthink it. Adjust the ring first then talk about how you need a new column if that doesn’t work.

[firebobby]

You're absolutely right of course. Already tried getting to the bolts last weekend, but while I seem to be able to reach one (it turned), I just can't get to the other (not enough space for hands + tools). Took out the lower air duct and everything, still no space (LHD car). By the way, it's two T40 torx bolts in my case, would probably be a lot easier if I could grab the bolts directly instead of having to use a socket wrench :/

Initial call to this gentleman was to get the ring adjusted, but his argument is that sticky steering is something different from this specific issue (literally 'stuck' steering wheel during turns vs. tiny adjustments to the steering wheel while driving straight between certain speeds). He claims it's due to issues with the ESP motor incorrectly reacting to sensors readings, which would require a 'new' steering column.
I just can't work out exactly how what sounds like an electronics issue can be related to a full mechanical replacement...

He will want to go down the expensive route, it's not his money!
I had sticky steering, it was like the car was suicidal and wanted to crash
I adjusted the ring some years ago and it was an instant fix, the car became a pleasure to drive.

Morning. Aside from the sticky steering itself where the steering wheel sorts of locks into position, did you have any other sorts of steering issues - loose handling at speed, etc?

No, just horrible steering.
My ECU packed up some years ago too, that's when I adjusted the ring, while fitting the motor back in

It felt and still does feel like a different can.

[poortomsacold]

Finally got round to removing the stripped bolt and replacing it with the one enuff-zen kindly sent me, have tightened the steering a little and initial test seems positive. Will report back once I’ve had a longer drive. Glad to have been able to adjust it though.

[enuff_zed]

Think I quite like being enuff ZEN

[poortomsacold]

Think I quite like being enuff ZEN

Haha bloody predictive text at it again! You were snuff_zee when I first typed it!

[MikeyH]

Think I quite like being enuff ZEN

Haha bloody predictive text at it again! You were snuff_zee when I first typed it!

[Chengy]

Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.

I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share

Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!

I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.

Cheers!

[enuff_zed]

Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.

I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share

Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!

I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.

Cheers!

Yup! How to spend your Saturday evening, trying to think a jammed spanner out from 150 miles away.
Chengy even refused to rule out my suggestion of Semtex at one point.

[Chengy]

Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.

I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share

Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!

I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.

Cheers!

Yup! How to spend your Saturday evening, trying to think a jammed spanner out from 150 miles away.
Chengy even refused to rule out my suggestion of Semtex at one point.

Your fault enuff_zed for being knowledgeable and helpful - and also giving me your phone number

[Special Kay]

Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.

I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share

Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!

I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.

Cheers!

Hey Chengy I may need to take you up on that offer at some point

[Chengy]

Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.

I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share

Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!

I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.

Cheers!

Hey Chengy I may need to take you up on that offer at some point

All good matey, yeah just send me a PM

[ryushe]

Long shot, but I just can't seem to get this sorted out. Made a special super low profile tool with a T40 torx bit to get to the harder to reach bolt, but no joy in actually loosening the bolt and adjusting the ring. With all the friendly folk on here, anyone in NL that has done this before and would be willing to help me out?

[enuff_zed]

Long shot, but I just can't seem to get this sorted out. Made a special super low profile tool with a T40 torx bit to get to the harder to reach bolt, but no joy in actually loosening the bolt and adjusting the ring. With all the friendly folk on here, anyone in NL that has done this before and would be willing to help me out?

Try using an 8mm bi hex ratchet ring spanner

[Barty]

Long shot, but I just can't seem to get this sorted out. Made a special super low profile tool with a T40 torx bit to get to the harder to reach bolt, but no joy in actually loosening the bolt and adjusting the ring. With all the friendly folk on here, anyone in NL that has done this before and would be willing to help me out?

Haven’t done it myself, but ProCar in Zwolle do it all the time. They can help you out no problem

[ryushe]

Haven’t done it myself, but ProCar in Zwolle do it all the time. They can help you out no problem

Good suggestion, will give them a call, thanks!