Loose Steering

[cab713]

Hi All,

I've been doing some searches regarding the handling of my 99 C2 Coupe with 35,000 miles. I've owned it for 6+ years now, and I'm aware that our cars do tend to feel "floaty" when running highway speeds. While I've grown accustom to this feeling, I believe I have an actual issue that could/should be resolved. I'm not getting the response from the steering wheel that I feel I should. When traveling on the highway at any speed the steering is a bit loose. I can wiggle the wheel left to right a bit and there's no significant response from the car. Don't get me wrong, if I turn the wheel with what I'd consider normal effort, I get the correct response. The car also handles corners well and the input feels correct and tracks true.

What I'm wondering is if there is something worn, or something I can modify to get a "on rails" feel. I owned a BMW 325i with suspension upgraded by the prior owner. That car would change direction if you sneezed with your hand on the steering wheel. I'd like to get that feel out of this one.

I have US spec suspension. I cannot lower the ride height based on my driveway clearance. I also do a good deal of city driving on terrible roads and a firmer ride is not what I'm looking for. Just simply to improve the responds of the steering to driver input.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Ahsai]

Hi All,

I've been doing some searches regarding the handling of my 99 C2 Coupe with 35,000 miles. I've owned it for 6+ years now, and I'm aware that our cars do tend to feel "floaty" when running highway speeds. While I've grown accustom to this feeling, I believe I have an actual issue that could/should be resolved. I'm not getting the response from the steering wheel that I feel I should. When traveling on the highway at any speed the steering is a bit loose. I can wiggle the wheel left to right a bit and there's no significant response from the car. Don't get me wrong, if I turn the wheel with what I'd consider normal effort, I get the correct response. The car also handles corners well and the input feels correct and tracks true.

What I'm wondering is if there is something worn, or something I can modify to get a "on rails" feel. I owned a BMW 325i with suspension upgraded by the prior owner. That car would change direction if you sneezed with your hand on the steering wheel. I'd like to get that feel out of this one.

I have US spec suspension. I cannot lower the ride height based on my driveway clearance. I also do a good deal of city driving on terrible roads and a firmer ride is not what I'm looking for. Just simply to improve the responds of the steering to driver input.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I would check the tire pressure and wear first (is it even?). Then, have a shop SPECIALIZED in alignment to go through all the suspension components and check for wear, then do an alignment. Even your car has a low mileage, suspension parts may wear out/deteriorate due to age too.

Compared to a 325i with modified suspension, your stock suspension (I assume it's stock) may not give you that secured feel. You can switch to M030 which will give you big improvements with minimal lowering. I swapped to x74 and can't be happier (but may be too low for your driveway).

Edited February 15, 2011 by Ahsai

[Ricey]

Did you get this issue resolved?

[cab713]

I've not resolved the issue. The car goes in this week for a clutch issue and while there, I'll have them troubleshoot.

[Ricey]

There seems to be a good few posts on this problem with no solution given

Please can you update the post if you find the problem