Can you change how heavy steering wheel feels?

[mike's machine]

I have a dumb question.
My C5 A6's steering wheel feels very light compare to B5 S4.
I like how B5 S4 feels, C5 A6's a little too light.
What causes this? Is it the steering pump?
If it is, can you put S4 pump into A6?
I'm wondering since 2.7t A6 shares a lot of parts with the 2.7t S4...
Can anyone give me an answer?

[AudiSport12]

Don't know what to tell you but I too really like the "heavyness" of my B5 A4 compared to the "lightness" of my C5 A6 steering

[mike's machine]

yupyup, we need the answer!

[skiroad'r]

YES -- easy mod -- remove the 628 or 605 relay (depending on year). It is located under the steering wheel. you will need to remove the lower kick panel -- two screws by the dash cluster and two screws underneath. 30 mins tops. Just yank that sucker out and enjoy.

[AudiSport12]

Hmm.. how do we figure what relay? Mines a '00 4.2

[mike's machine]

remove a relay???
does it related to the power steering system?
how does it make it heavier?
i'm very curious...

[2000 A6 2.7t 6m]

Here's a good write-up with detials:
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec60.shtml

[mike's machine]

Thank you thank you, that article definitely helps.
I now understand clearly how you have to remove a relay.
So that is a good thing some what that we have lighter steering...but not for some of us...lol

[trapped]

Ok so I just pull this out! nothing else. I really hate the feel of the steering! My sisters mazda 6 lets you feel how hard the front wheels are pushing back, but on my a6 it feels much lighter. Anway if I remove this and don't like it is it as easy as putting it back in? thanks seems like I'll try this tomorrow!

[Stampy]

I think it feels like shit. Like an old civic with no power steering. Say what you want about feedback, but damn. I don't like giving my steering wheel Indian burns every time I turn. You might be better off swapping in a 628 relay. Better response but it doesn't feel so shitty at low speed. I really don't know how this gets compared to S4 feel?

[skiroad'r]

So, what I did here is the best of both worlds. I installed a toggle switch as an interupt on the 12V power source going to that relay. So when I am cruising around town at low speed etc, switch is on and I have full power steering assist. When I'm at highway speed, or on twisties and want better steering feel, I turn the switch off (equlivanet of removing the relay).

If you are running 18" or larger wheels and wider tires, I think this is a good solution. If you are running stock size tires, you don't really need to fight the wheel much.

[mike's machine]

I like that sound. So how do you install the switch?

[skiroad'r]

The black wire is the 12v source going to the relay. We installed 2 wiretaps on that black wire and sent them to the hot/cold leads on the switch. Once we had good connections all around, we cut the black 12v wire between the wire taps. The switch is consealed on the lower portion of the kick panel.

It's a bit tight back there, but take your time and make sure you free up enough slack in that wire before cutting into anything.

We also attempted to modify the relay -- to avoid hacking into wiring, but the relay is really an electronic module, so that wouldn't work.

Sorry I didn't take any pics, but here are reference threads:

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec35.shtml

This one has pics -- ignore the parts related to the shifter. He wanted the serviotronic off while in TIP mode, so there is alot of extra stuff you don't need.
http://home.earthlink.net/~oxy8384/605mod.htm

[mike's machine]

so taps on Black wire.
That's easy enough.
i love audizine....you guys are way too much helpful...lol

[desairs]

my 03 doesnt have this relay. Any ideas?

[skiroad'r]

my 03 doesnt have this relay. Any ideas?

it's either a 605 or 628 relay, unless someone else swiped it, you should definitely have one of them.

[FrankA6]

Well my steering is very tight on my 04 S-Line, but my 01 2.7T it sucks :(

[trapped]

WOW, I just took out the relay and damn is it heavy. I love it when i'm going about 30mph+, but I do a lot of city driving and it kinda sucks to by honest. I spent about 10 mins taking it out and made sure i knew exactly how it went in so I can put it back. I am going to leave it out for tonight, but highly doubt that I will keep it ouch much longer. There is a HUGE difference. Try it if you want, but if you have doubts dont waste your time. Try turning on the car (not starting it) and turn the wheel. its almost that hard!

[mike's machine]

yea, I just removed the relay on mine, and damn it is heavy...too heavy to move around in parking lot and on slow corners...
but I like it when I'm really moving though.
I think I'm gonna go for getting a switch for that.

[trapped]

I know I just got back from a quick drive and fast corners were amazing! I think I'm going to put it back now, but it only took about 5 minutes so I might take it out for spirited drives. Also if you remove the plastic above the steering wheel colum and unscrew the bolts on the left/right you can remove the whole pannel making it a breeze!

[white fish]

so why dont you guys try changing to a 628 relay

[mike's machine]

so what's 628 relay? how is it different from 605?

[skiroad'r]

you guys need to lift some weights or something. My 93 lb wife drives the car all the time w/o that relay in. MAN UP !!!

[Stampy]

Sorry man. I drive an A6....not a 92 civic dx.

[mike's machine]

haha, maybe I'm used to the light feeling already.
but I still like don't like how it feels in the parking lot...when it's moving, I love it, but it feels like there's no assistance at all...I know there is...but just the feeling...
so what's the 628 relay???

[skiroad'r]

different relay for different model years -- I don't know if there is any difference in overall feel between the two replays.

[oc-drop]

upgraded tie rods and control arms stiffens the turning a bit... feels awesome, even better with hsports