E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
- Thread starter Joycey
- Start date
Joycey said:
I have been experiencing symptoms same as Joycey. So glad came across this thread! So many thanks for writing a detailed thread
The ‘vague’ steering feeling above 50-ish mph has been driving me mad (Checked all suspension joints and are fine).. This very simple quick adjustment has certainly made a big difference!
The car feels more connected at higher speeds. I only tightened the ‘ring’ around 3-4mm and that was enough.
Pleased to see that this adjustment is solving ‘sticky steering’ issues by loosening the ring slightly
Dale_B said:Joycey said:
I have been experiencing symptoms same as Joycey. So glad came across this thread! So many thanks for writing a detailed thread
The ‘vague’ steering feeling above 50-ish mph has been driving me mad (Checked all suspension joints and are fine).. This very simple quick adjustment has certainly made a big difference!
The car feels more connected at higher speeds. I only tightened the ‘ring’ around 3-4mm and that was enough.
Pleased to see that this adjustment is solving ‘sticky steering’ issues by loosening the ring slightly
Your welcome, such a simple fix that plagues these cars.
I've been reading every word written about the grease approach again today. Following on from my brief moment of ill-placed triumph after adjusting the eccentric ring (a hot day brought the stickiness right back) I'm going to be drilling and greasing my column as soon as my Wurth HHS 2000 spray grease arrives in the post.
The many many success stories (relating to both the adjustment and the greasing) lead me to believe that since the adjustment hasn't cured mine, the grease probably will. I'll report back when I've done it and had a hot day to test it in.
For the record, if anything, my steering has a touch of free play in it now after my adjustments in the eccentric ring, so hopefully I can take up that slack again once the grease is in.
Edit: After further investigation I have found that my original adjustments were in the wrong direction after reading conflicting instructions. I have yet to test drive the car but please note: ACW adjustment = tighter, CW adjustment = looser (RHD car).
The many many success stories (relating to both the adjustment and the greasing) lead me to believe that since the adjustment hasn't cured mine, the grease probably will. I'll report back when I've done it and had a hot day to test it in.
For the record, if anything, my steering has a touch of free play in it now after my adjustments in the eccentric ring, so hopefully I can take up that slack again once the grease is in.
Edit: After further investigation I have found that my original adjustments were in the wrong direction after reading conflicting instructions. I have yet to test drive the car but please note: ACW adjustment = tighter, CW adjustment = looser (RHD car).
Hi Guys
Just picked up a 2004 2.5i E85.
Not too sure if I have this problem but do sense something isn’t quite right in my steering.
Actually notice it more at lower speeds but when cornering quite hard (ie roundabouts) feels more obvious on a right turn, not sure I’ve felt it on left turns.
I basically get a bit of play/jump feeling back through the wheel, like the steering goes super light and then tight again.
Is this basically the problems you guys refer to as sticky steering? Sounds like a higher speed issue, sometimes with warning lights that most people describe?
Could my issue potentially be resolved by a ring adjustment or the greased nipple adjustment?
Have even read some things saying this is just th nature of the beast?
Any thoughts? Will have it up on the ramps at weekend for a look
Arron
Just picked up a 2004 2.5i E85.
Not too sure if I have this problem but do sense something isn’t quite right in my steering.
Actually notice it more at lower speeds but when cornering quite hard (ie roundabouts) feels more obvious on a right turn, not sure I’ve felt it on left turns.
I basically get a bit of play/jump feeling back through the wheel, like the steering goes super light and then tight again.
Is this basically the problems you guys refer to as sticky steering? Sounds like a higher speed issue, sometimes with warning lights that most people describe?
Could my issue potentially be resolved by a ring adjustment or the greased nipple adjustment?
Have even read some things saying this is just th nature of the beast?
Any thoughts? Will have it up on the ramps at weekend for a look
Arron
thecookie125
Member
I’ve found my SI wanders around on its own, almost like the wheel is making it’s own inputs since I’ve done lollypop bushings, at around 70mph.
Had an alignment and that’s made things a little bit better but the problem is still there, would it be worth giving this a go?
Had an alignment and that’s made things a little bit better but the problem is still there, would it be worth giving this a go?
ErrErrminator
Active member
thecookie125 said:
My 2003 2.5 does this too, at about the same speed. It's quite subtle, but definitely there. A sort of floaty, slight wandering sensation. Looks like I'll be getting down in the drivers footwell to follow the good advice on here.
Just an update. Since I fitted my reconditioned steering motor and adjusting the ring at the same time, I can now drive with one hand on the wheel. I would never have attempted this before because it felt like the car wanted to kill you. I used to be constantly fighting with the steering and even taking one hand off the wheel to adjust the radio, took some planning.
This adjustment has made a massive difference to my car and my enjoyment of driving it and is well worth doing.
This adjustment has made a massive difference to my car and my enjoyment of driving it and is well worth doing.
