Advice needed about steering feeling

[Davej 0]

Hi all, long term member and have a full stripped shell currently being restored. In the meantime I've just purchased a road going 205gti with mi16 engine. 

 

My question is regarding the steering as I've never driven one before and have always had PAS. 

 

Is it normal for the steering to feel lighter up to a quarter turn on the wheel that then gets heavier and heavier the more you turn it? This happens while coasting or on the throttle. Thanks for any help.

 

Dave

 

[Leslie green 107]

Once its moving steering weight should not be an issue only at parking speeds , the bearings in the top mounts may need changing or tractrod ends are partially siezed due to water getting in past the boots etc.

[Davej 0]

6 minutes ago, Leslie green said:

Once its moving steering weight should not be an issue only at parking speeds , the bearings in the top mounts may need changing or tractrod ends are partially siezed due to water getting in past the boots etc.

Thanks for the info. This is happening at speed.  So once moving, the steering weight should feel consistent throughout the turning range?

[Leslie green 107]

Yes id say so something isn't right .

[Davej 0]

Just now, Leslie green said:

Yes id say so something isn't right .

Thanks, wasn't sure if it was normal or not on these cars. Will have a look into it. 

[PhilNW 43]

Check tracking

[Richie-Van-GTi 71 2 Cars]

What wheels, tyres and suspension set up does it have?

Incorrect offsets have this effect as does camber and castor, also is it a standard non pas rack, common to see a PAS rack being used as non PAS to make a quicker rack.

Edited October 4 by Richie-Van-GTi

[DamirGTI 342]

I'd say wheel alignment , incorrectly adjusted creating "Ackermann effect" .

 

Count visible threads on left and right track rod end , they should be equal or very near .. if they're not and there's big difference get it tracked but by someone who knows how to (need to center the rack first) .

 

D

[welshpug 1,650]

They do load up as you corner, especially in a spirited manner, but it should be a fairly gradual feeling unless you are being a Savage with the wheel, is should not be a step change from straight ahead really.

 

 

Worst case scenario I have seen a bent rack cause this, granted on a rally car which had nerfed a truck tyre chicane!!