| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 11 Mar 2016 : 13:00:45
Having now sorted (I think) the clutch on my Series V Rapier, I'm now looking at the next job. Besides changing screen rubber seals, I'm going to cure the heavy steering when maneuvering. It is so heavy that my wife hates driving the car. Do I install power steering or change the front radials for cross ply tyres? Peoples opinion or experience would be much appreciated.
jim |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Banjo |
Posted - 19 Mar 2016 : 05:22:53
I have to tell you it's an old car salesmans trick.
Pump up the tyres on all the cars on the lot, it make prospective purchases think the car is so light and easy to drive |
| johnc |
Posted - 14 Mar 2016 : 18:18:27
Hi Jim,
Some time ago I raised the same question about heavy steering and tyre sizes the outcome was to fit 165/80s.I did this and inflated them to 35psi with acceptable results.I suppose in theory the extra pressure could affect wear and maybe grip but that's a compromise I'm prepared to live with.
Regards
John |
| RapierPhil |
Posted - 14 Mar 2016 : 17:56:45
Hi Jim
Regarding your heavy steering. I have a Series 1V and my steering has always been very heavy. However last week I decided to replace the tyres on my car as although they were not too badly worn they were getting on a bit. It had 155/13's on it. I was advised that the nearest to original was 165/80/13. As I wanted a whitewall tyre (an option on the Series 1V) I bought some Maxxis which are available in that size.
The difference to the steering is amazing, the car feels loads better and is much lighter on the steering. I put this down to the larger overall diameter but the fact that tne newer rubber will be more supple may have helped. Icidentally the recommended PSI for the original crossplys was 27 which I am told equates to about 30 on radials so I run them at that.
Cheers Phil
|
| pruyter |
Posted - 13 Mar 2016 : 09:02:18
To add to this: another cause of heavy steering can be the width of the tyres. Originally there were crossplies installed and the width of the radial that is most nearest is 165. If the tyres are more like 185 or even more you might experience heavey steering. I have seen Alpines, which have the same steering as the Rapiers, with a width of 155 and the owners experienced very light steering and good road holding.
The make of the tyres have also influence.
On the Alpine forum there is a owner who has a magnificient result with the Goodyear 165GT80, but this tyre might be unavailable by now.
And something else is: even the slightest slack in the bushes of the steering idler can also cause heavy steering. |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 11 Mar 2016 : 22:15:36
Wow....2.5 bar is 40psi (in English)! I'll try that plus a couple.
jim |
| pruyter |
Posted - 11 Mar 2016 : 21:45:05
Hi Jim,
I have inflated all my tyres to 2,5 bar and that includes the Rapier, the Tiger and my regular transport the BMW. I have done this with all the cars I have had in my life and I am very satisfied with it.
Regards,
Peter |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 11 Mar 2016 : 19:28:57
Thanks Peter
As you might have guessed I have checked all steering components, and tyres are inflated to 2bar, which according to the "bible" is a little hard. I'm going to inflate the tyres a bit more as a temporary fix. The problem, of course, is that we are now accustomed to power steering on even tiny cars.
jim |
| pruyter |
Posted - 11 Mar 2016 : 16:33:00
Hi Jim,
The steering should not be that heavy. I experienced the same as you when I got my Rapier back from the workshop. After months of checking (almost) everything I discovered the culprit....not enough air in the tyres, less then 1 bar. After rectifying this I got a new car!
Yes, it was stupid of me not checking the tyres first, but....
If your tyres are okay, then I should check every component of the steering.
Regardss,
Peter |
