One of the Crossfire's most criticized technical weakness is the steering. I did a quick research here in the forums and it seems replacing the system with a proper rack and pinion would be downright impossible. Or at least very expensive?

So is there a way to improve the stock steering at least?

Thanks.

 

What is the problem? Woody

 

Yes there is, suck it up and pretend it is the best possible steering. We have had people who say they can feel the power difference when using different engine oils, it is amazing what the mind can do.😏
If you must have R & P steering get another car.

 

Mine steers just fine
Not sure what you are referring to

 

Don't believe everything you read and hear, drive one for yourself and see what you think. I think they handle fine. At 140+ MPH you don't want steering that is over responsive. Everything has its's trade offs.

 

No magazine article here, no theories, no "I Heards", just practical hands on experience. There is nothing "wrong" with the steering, this is a mean machine in all departments. Ask yourself why there are so many "multiple crossfire families". Do some more than quick research. Dah.

 

You're right in my opinion. However; and sorry to butt in but I did just that. I bought another rear wheel drive sports car in the same class as the crossfire. Rack and pinion steering on my beloved FR-S is different. I love that connection to the road surface sensation. .

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply everybody.

I have actually driven the Crossfire. I don't normally get deeply interested in a car, start even considering swaps without having ever driven it.

To me the problem was not that it is a little heavy. I'm fine with that. But it felt somewhat slow and also not very direct. Not a lot of feedback either.

The BMW Z4 also has its own steering problems caused by the electric set up. But there are upgrades for it. So I was just wondering if there was anything for the Crossfire. So I asked.

 

Yes, the GT86 steering is great and so is that of other small sports cars like the Miata and even larger and heavier ones like the 350Z will turn better. It would definitely be great if the Crossfire steering felt that way.

Pity though that the GT86/BRZ/FR-S look so generic. The Crossfire is so much more interesting looking and distinct, I also much prefer the engine in the Crossfire. I know the GT86 has a flat 4 engine but it is still a 4 cylinder. All together, I'm hoping that a well sorted Crossfire with suspension and brake upgrades plus a power boost will help make up for the short comings of the car. Specially when added to the unique styling.

 

There really isn't anything you can do to improve the steering feel, unfortunately. The steering is what it is, dead and non-communicative. A proper rack and pinion steering rack would have improved this car so much. Even MB realizes this when they switch to a rack and pinion rack on the r171 platform the successor to our platform.

Rack and pinion > recirc-ball unit period. This is a sports car, not a large luxury sedan.

 

Isn't the R171 an evolution of the R170? Or is it a fully new platform? Can't the steering of the R171 be adapted? It shouldn't not be difficult to find a full donor R171 for cheap.

 

Yes and no... check your wheel bearings , lift the car up and feel for play on the verticle plane,snug up you bearings . Next, the replacement of the center arm , tie rod ends would help. The car has rather old technology in the steering, also check your allignment and tire pressure. Best of luck.

 

Sure. But I guess that just makes sure the system is working properly but doesn't really improve the system?

 

I replaced my steering damper and the steering and the feel improved. Don't put your expectations too high but it helped

 

So there has been really no real consideration of getting the R171 rack and pinion in the Crossfire? Anybody knows what it would take? Fully replacing the front suspension?

 

It is a big difference, can be done if someone really wanted it, but would have to make new mounting brackets, lengthen the steering shaft, check clearance etc etc etc etc

 

To greatly improve the steering, You may need to consider a new ride
if you inspect and repair the items listed here, that’s as good as it’s going to get.

A little better than it is now.

 

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Agree with UrbanE, Every vehicle model rides/handles differently (including two of the same model with different loads inside). If the XF handling isn't to your liking, maybe a switch to a different car is warranted.


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Maybe then from a different donor? Is the Miata rack and pinion? Or maybe the Z3 or Z4? All similar sized cars.Even the Saturn Sky/Solstice.

 

Refreshing the steering system with all new parts is surely better than a worn and tired system. But when the car was new, the steering was also in new condition. It still got the same reviews and feedback we are finding now. So worn out parts is not the cause. I know this is not what you are saying. But it has been brought up a few times and in case it's being implied worn parts are to blame, that would only make sense if the steering didn't have the same problems when the car was new.