E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)

Thought my steering felt vauge so I tightened the ring up a little a while ago. No discernable effect so tried a little tighter today. Short test drive followed by tightening a little more and repeat. Then realised it was sticky steering after all. Backed it off to about 10 mm past where I started and it feels like a new car. So much more confidence at speed now.

So thanks to the OP. I'll be out later giving it a proper test drive. :D
 
At 6'5" there was a bit of contortion required but very easy to adjust. Although I used an 8mm ratchet spanner as I couldn't see any way of getting a socket onto the clamp bolts.
 
Jamie25 said:
At 6'5" there was a bit of contortion required but very easy to adjust. Although I used an 8mm ratchet spanner as I couldn't see any way of getting a socket onto the clamp bolts.

Hi Jamie,

Just a question, does the issue you have on motorways feel like a badly balanced wheel?
 
Well from experience I know I'm pretty bad at diagnosing car issues. But I'd have to say no. No vibration just somewhat vauge wandering. The car had very old run flats on the front when I got it circa 16 months ago. These produced a similar but more pronounced sensation. Changing to Eagle F1s transformed it and it felt more planted. The feeling has slowly come back over the last few months.

I've checked all bushes and no obvious signs of excessive wear. It finally feels better after adjusting the ring but I think I'm going to get a full geo done and get them to check the bushes as well to be sure. I've noted the inner edge of the front tyres are slighty more worn so think the geo is the next step before I go spending on random bushes.
 
Managed to do this today. Lots of fiddling around but moved the ring about 7mm tighter and my wobble/vibration has almost completely gone. I might try another few mm. How much did you guys move yours as a reference?
 
Hi guys,

I'm trying this method right now. My bolts arent the male's but the females 6 mm hex. Anyone has any tips to get those loose?
Very hard to reach with the hexagon tools, a spanner would have been so much easier.
 
My car also has what I would describe as twitchy steering as opposed to sticky, at high speeds. Feels like tramlining and the steering wheel is moving on its own.

When accelerating hard it can be scary to take 1 hand off the wheel to shift. Haven't tried this fix yet but looks encouraging.

I read a lot that tyre pressures can also cause this and checked mine. My fronts were over inflated and rears under. Changed them to 33 & 36 psi and the improvement is amazing. It's still there I would say but not to the same degree.

I know I need new front bushings, a rear spring and alignment which could also be a contributory factor.
 
Yes I have twitchy steering too, and wheel at 60 mph feels like an unbalanced wheel but I know it isnt.. But I hate the fact that on bumpy roads it turns the wheel on its own in a twitchy way. Is there anybody close to me that can cure it. I read alot about tyre pressure but wonder about tyre size correlation. Some of us have 16/18/19 inch wheels with anything from 225 to 255 at the back and tyre pressures must differ and make a difference somewhere. So for problem sorting and anyone that has sorted this . Please give remedy and tyre sizes and tyre pressures used/tried. I am sure there is a connection here somewhere.
 
I changed my 17" to 18" and that helped with the twitchy steering. The biggest difference was when I adjusted the ring after fitting my reconditioned steering motor. Not sure if having the motor ECU done had anything to do with it or if the ring adjustment did it. What ever it was, my car now drives sooo much better :thumbsup:
 
Did you lower the steering column with the lever ?
It is fiddly but doable. If you were closer, I would have a look for you :)
 
Only just picked up on this thread as zed has been underused...is there anyone anywhere near (or far) me in telford that's done this and is willing to show me what's what so I can have s go...or I'll pay them to do it...its half the reason is been unused as it's just not nice to drive
 
Leesfarm07 said:
Only just picked up on this thread as zed has been underused...is there anyone anywhere near (or far) me in telford that's done this and is willing to show me what's what so I can have s go...or I'll pay them to do it...its half the reason is been unused as it's just not nice to drive

If you want to come upto Wrexham I will show/do it for you .Just make sure it's no raining. :D
 
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