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Steering problem/question

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Old Apr 26, 2018 | 03:39 PM
  #1  
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From: Chesapeake Va
Default Steering problem/question

At slow speed (idling around parking lot type speed)when I turn the wheel and let it go it doesn’t return. I can go in circles. Every vehicle I have ever driven will straighten it’s self back out. Once I get going down the road it is fine. Any thoughts?
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Old Apr 26, 2018 | 03:43 PM
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Caster, an alignment should be able to fix some of that. Might have something to do with the Ackerman effect, or just wide tires in general.
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Old Apr 26, 2018 | 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by ArtClassShank
Caster, an alignment should be able to fix some of that. Might have something to do with the Ackerman effect, or just wide tires in general.
Just had an alignment last week and it’s still doing it I thought it would help, but it didn’t. What is Ackerman effect? If it’s the wide tires wouldn’t they all do it. Maybe they do I’ve never driven another one.
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Old Apr 26, 2018 | 06:07 PM
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After 60 views I guess it’s normal.
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Old Apr 27, 2018 | 07:21 AM
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I’d make sure you have fresh diff fluid in there if you want to make a habit outta what you described....
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Old Apr 27, 2018 | 08:36 AM
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Mine does the same. owned it for 9 months. figured its normal?

but my steering also makes a loud creaking at low speed/stop when turning the wheel. maybe an inner tie rod or rack issue
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Old Apr 27, 2018 | 10:44 AM
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Your C5 is equipped with a function called Magna-Steer (it's also officially called VES, or Variable Effort Steering). Basically the way it functions is depending on what speed the car is traversing either more or less power steering effort is applied to the car to make the car steer easiest for whatever driving situation the car is in, i.e., if you are in a parking lot, the system will be working at high capacity to make parking lot steering really easy.

The system works off a combination of the SWPS (steering wheel position sensor), the power steering pump, and the EBCM. If any of those items are failing or have failed then the system will default to the "highest boost" (as in applying the most force to the system) at all speeds.

It does ultimately sound like the system is working correctly for you. At parking lot speeds there will be a lot of force applied to easily turn the wheel, but it should not return easily. If you are at highway speeds and the steering feels exactly like it does in the parking lot then there is a problem.
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Old Apr 27, 2018 | 11:02 AM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by Velocity_Vette
Your C5 is equipped with a function called Magna-Steer (it's also officially called VES, or Variable Effort Steering). Basically the way it functions is depending on what speed the car is traversing either more or less power steering effort is applied to the car to make the car steer easiest for whatever driving situation the car is in, i.e., if you are in a parking lot, the system will be working at high capacity to make parking lot steering really easy.

The system works off a combination of the SWPS (steering wheel position sensor), the power steering pump, and the EBCM. If any of those items are failing or have failed then the system will default to the "highest boost" (as in applying the most force to the system) at all speeds.

It does ultimately sound like the system is working correctly for you. At parking lot speeds there will be a lot of force applied to easily turn the wheel, but it should not return easily. If you are at highway speeds and the steering feels exactly like it does in the parking lot then there is a problem.
That’s what I needed. (Good info) I’ll keep driving it. Thanks.
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