View Full Version : Is there any way to sharpen steering response???
mike's machine
09-13-2011, 06:25 AM
I mean the actual steering ratio...
Just did 402mod and already have sway bars front and rear.
I drive my buddy's E93 M3 and i love how it responses when it corners.
Does S4 have somewhat lower steering ratio?
How about RS4 steering rack?
Or is it possible to modify the current steering rack?
Scotty@Advanced
09-13-2011, 06:38 AM
I mean the actual steering ratio...
Just did 402mod and already have sway bars front and rear.
I drive my buddy's E93 M3 and i love how it responses when it corners.
Does S4 have somewhat lower steering ratio?
How about RS4 steering rack?
Or is it possible to modify the current steering rack?
The only way to change the steering ratio is to change the rack and pinion with one that has a different gear ratio. IIRC the RS6 rack is rumored to have a smaller ratio, and it does have a different part number than the other cars. B5 stuff won't fit a C5..
mike's machine
09-13-2011, 06:44 AM
so RS6 rack might be an option?
can you modify the internal of the rack?
Scotty@Advanced
09-13-2011, 07:14 AM
so RS6 rack might be an option?
can you modify the internal of the rack?
You would have to install a new rack and new pinion gear meaning a whole bunch of money for custom pieces. Last i looked a gear MFG wanted a 25 piece order at $800 each piece.
kid-jensen
09-14-2011, 08:59 AM
Smaller steering wheel would amount to the same thing.......and cheaper.
Scotty@Advanced
09-14-2011, 09:12 AM
Smaller steering wheel would amount to the same thing.......and cheaper.
^^ This FTW!
beemercer
09-14-2011, 09:38 AM
Lightweight wheels really sharpen it up in my experience
mike's machine
09-15-2011, 07:35 AM
What smaller oem quality steering wheel is available out there? w/airbag of course...
Scotty@Advanced
09-15-2011, 07:38 AM
What smaller oem quality steering wheel is available out there? w/airbag of course...
None...
mike's machine
09-15-2011, 02:13 PM
Ok...i'll try to life with it...:(
JediJoker7169
09-15-2011, 04:57 PM
My power steering pump blew up on the skidpad, and to make a long story short, I eventually ended up having everything in the system replaced. I now have a non-Servotronic rack, which obviates the relay-pull mod, and my suspension overhaul included OEM RS4 solid tierod ends. That, plus the ~4.5˚ of caster, has weighted up the steering nicely and increased feel slightly. The only real drawback I can think of is that Servotronic did a good job hiding bump steer, which is more evident now. Oh, yeah, and the price. [>_>]
Cost-prohibitive: yes. Effective: somewhat.
FrankA6
09-15-2011, 07:51 PM
Ok...i'll try to life with it...:(
The Facelifted C5's have sharper steering to begin with over the older C5's. (not sure about the AR)
My car is a 04 with
Koni Yellows
H&R Sports
Hotchkiss Sways front and rear
S4 solid tie rods
Stern Adjustable control arms (just helps with alignment and camber)
255/35's front and rear
So now with all that the car is very response, tight and sharp. When I had H&R Coilovers the cars handling was even better, but the ride was very harsh.
Point is, its going to take a lot more than just sway bars to help with steering response.
JediJoker7169
09-15-2011, 09:55 PM
The Facelifted C5's have sharper steering to begin with over the older C5's.
Subjective? Or were there actually new part numbers that came with the facelift?
FrankA6
09-15-2011, 11:39 PM
Subjective? Or were there actually new part numbers that came with the facelift?
We had a thread about this around 2 years ago.
My sister has a 01 A6 and the steering is very light and lazy and the car is stock, When my 04 was stock the steering was still heavy and tight, much more responsive.
I'm not sure what it is, but a stock 04 S-line like I have steers about the same as a B6/B7 S4, much more sporty.