So I've just gone from a MKIV VW GLI to a crossfire and the steering is much more loose/sensitive in the crossifre. I can't keep it in a perfectly straight line at high speed. The jetta felt much more solid at speed and I felt much more confident around corners that feel scary in the crossfire. Is there any way to adjust the power steering? Like a pressure regulator on the pump or something? I want it heavier and stiffer but am willing to live with it if it's impossible. Also, could better tires/different allignment help? I know this is supposed to handle better than my GLI that was front wheel drive and had a torsion beam rear but it just doesn't feel like it? :-(

 

The tires are wider on the Crossfire so it will tram-line (follow the grooves in the raod) more. Do a search on steering damper - some people have replaced theirs (cheap) and said there is a noticeable improvement.

Here's the thread...
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ad.php?t=23989

 

I forgot about the damper, I didn't mention I had a 96 C280 before the Jetta haha, I remember seeing that on the front under the car, it's like a little shock right? Only thing is, the XFire only has 33k miles, do you think it will really make that much of a difference?

 

The steering on my srt6 does not feel loose and it drives in a straight line if I take my hand off the steering wheel. Sounds like something is wrong with your car, change your steering dampner.

 

I've read people on this forum say that changing the steering damper changes the feel anywhere from "massively" to "greatly".

Bottom line:

The car should feel rock solid up to 150+ mph. Someone on here has done 160+ and one guy has competed in the Texas Mile. No one does those speeds with a car whose steering is that bad.

If your car's steering feels wiggly at highway speeds, it "ain't norrrmal!"

 

our cars are know to have a loose steering bolt in the steering shaft, do a search for more info.

 

My SRT 6 has seen 186 mph and it was solid as a rock and still pulling pretty good when I let off the gas. My brother has a Pontiac Solstis and I let him drive my car a while back and he said the steering felt strange (loose) compared to his Solstis. It feels fine to me .

 

I think I have problems too... My car drives in a straight line if I let go of the wheel, but the wheels tilts to the right. Is that normal?? The dealer told me yes but we all know how great Chrysler mechanics are.

 

Whoever did your alignment didn't straighten the wheel in doing the alignment. That's all.


Justin

 

I wonder if a lot of what people are feeling is because we don't have rack and pinion?

 

The C280 felt much tighter, stiffer and it had recirculating ball as well. I'll look into the steering bolt issue and also purchase a new damper.

Thanks Guys!

 

besides the loose steering shaft bolt , some owners reported loose wheel bearings, they probably need a 1/4 turn on the back lash coller