2001 C5 4.2 - power steering too light

[vtraudt]

Aside from pulling the Servotronic relay: has anyone looked into modifying the power steering to make is less light?
I assume the steering effort boost (the 'power' in power steering) is determined by the pressure the PS pump puts out, which in turn controlled by a pressure relieve valve (or solenoid in case of Servotronic)?

[carmudgeon]

Why wouldn't you just pull the relay? Just takes 10 seconds and easy to undo if you sell the car.

[vtraudt]

Or hacked into the servotronic 'relay' and modified it to provide somewhat more "weight" for the steering?
the B5 S4 for example has a substantially heavier (not as overboosted as the C5) steering feel. Is the difference in the rack (where the servotronic valve resides as far as I know), the pump or in the relay?

http://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-s6-c5-platform-discussion-7/inside-servotronic-control-module-electronics-control-amount-boost%3B-module-628-wanted-1652911/

[4rings2turbos]

At least try the relay first. It's probably exactly what you're looking for.

[vtraudt]

Why wouldn't you just pull the relay? Just takes 10 seconds and easy to undo if you sell the car.

Well: I did that on one of my 2002 Allroad (had to replace the rack (leaking), and rebuild replacement unit was TOTALLY light). Pulling the relay went from SUPER LIGHT (lighter than OEM) to super heavy (NOT driveable IMO at low speed).

But I will try on this 4.2 with OEM rack. See what relay pull does.

Same location under drive side kickpanel, relay panel, upper row right? Numbers 392, 605, 628 or else?

[toms73novass]

I replace mine in my 2001 Allroad with the 628 and Like it much better.

[rollerton]

There are also a couple different power steering pulleys. The S6 power steering pulley just slightly larger, so it spins a tony bit slower; resulting in a little bit less assist at low speeds. Something to consider..

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c168/zer0b0y/8E9AA6FE-9066-4D5C-BFD8-FC49642E6366_zpsb17qo51c.jpg

[mr_dave]

There are also a couple different power steering pulleys. The S6 power steering pulley just slightly larger, so it spins a tony bit slower; resulting in a little bit less assist at low speeds. Something to consider..

I find the S6 steering a bit too light at low speed but it tightens up very nicely once it gets going.

[4rings2turbos]

That's the servo overboosting, you might like disabling it as well.

I was looking at the smaller pulley too if I can get it for dirt cheap just because it's that little bit less weight and rotational mass.

[rollerton]

That's the servo overboosting, you might like disabling it as well.

I was looking at the smaller pulley too if I can get it for dirt cheap just because it's that little bit less weight and rotational mass.

I still have the 4.2 pulley (small), since I re-used the S6 pulley when I did the project a couple weeks ago. The weight difference might be a couple ounces...not sure you're getting any power back from that small of a difference..but if you want it.

[4rings2turbos]

I wonder about drilling it for some weight savings too. I guess they're aluminum so it's super light to begin with..

Ultimate goal is lightweight pulleys all around. My allroad is heavy as hell but I'm working on reducing unsprung weight with lightweight tires, wheels and brakes and rotational mass with lightweight flywheel and pulleys. I have an RS rack coming in sometime this winter and maybe I'll take the pulley off your hands for that.

[USSCOTT]

It's been a while since this thread was active, but I am experiencing the same issue. Had a rebuilt rack installed on a 2002 S6 and the steering is lighter than a 75 Cadillac. Very unnerving and joyless to drive. I looked at removing the relay and have seen several posts here and there that had no effect. I will try it anyway, but wondering if anything has emerged as a cause in the last 5-6 years. Thanks in advance.