Steering Question?
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Joined: Oct 2010
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Steering Question?
I realize these cars have a quick steering ratio, but I also thought they had power steering. But it sure seems like my '95 coupe takes quit a bit of effort to turn the steering wheel at low speed or in parking lots. Almost as much as some of the older cars I have driven without power steering.
Is this normal for all C4's?
Is this normal for all C4's?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
The front tires are much wider than most other cars, so it might feel like a little more effort is needed.
I can still spin the wheel from lock to lock (while moving slowly) with one finger.
Yes, it's a little firmer than a "luxury" car. But it seems your describing something a little harder than that.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: OC Calif
St. Jude Donor '10
There's quite a bit of difference between the 9.5 wheels up front vs. 8.5. My 92 came stock with 9.5's all around, but when changing to 8.5 up front I can feel quite a difference (much easier steering).
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
But it now has 9.5" wheels with 275/40-17 tires.
Yes, there was a little easier turning feel with the 255 tires.
But now with the 275 tires it still turns much easier than an older non power steering car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Cherokee National Forest TN
Z51 equipped cars have a faster ratio which = less mechanical advantage requiring more steering effort at low speed.
Excessive caster will also increase steering effort.
I could palm the wheel when parking the 89 with base suspension. The 90 with the Z51 option requires more effort. I park the 90 like I did with the old standard steering cars, foot off the brake & let it roll as the steering wheel is turned. At a full stop with the brakes engaged requires 2 hands to turn the wheel.
Excessive caster will also increase steering effort.
I could palm the wheel when parking the 89 with base suspension. The 90 with the Z51 option requires more effort. I park the 90 like I did with the old standard steering cars, foot off the brake & let it roll as the steering wheel is turned. At a full stop with the brakes engaged requires 2 hands to turn the wheel.
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Thanks for the replies. Sounds like mine is about the same as the rest of the C4's.
One thing I did notice was at high speed 100+ car feel very stable. Actually hard to tell the difference between 60 and 100+ and far as straight line ride and handling.
One thing I did notice was at high speed 100+ car feel very stable. Actually hard to tell the difference between 60 and 100+ and far as straight line ride and handling.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
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From: Manheim Pennsylvania
The steering feel in the newer Corvettes is adjusted automatically based on speed, as the speed increases the steering tightens up. The C4's steering feel is fixed, a compromise balance between slow and high speed.
Le Mans Master
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From: SF bay area C.A.
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