RS7 Steering Weight

[jb1970]

I find the steering on my 2015 RS7 too heavy, even in Comfort mode.
It seems to take much more effort compared to my last C7 2013 S6.

How can I verify that there is not something wrong with it on my RS7?
Is there anything I can do to make it lighter? Something like what is available for adjusting ride hide on the air suspension?


Why would the steering effort be so good on an S6, yet so heavy on an RS7?
Does the RS6 have steering weight like an S6 or an RS7?

I know lots of people like weighty steering during spirited driving, but I would like it comfortably on the lighter side when just daily driving.


Thanks!

[Kevin1]

Going forward, please post in the V8 4.0tt sub forum. You’ll get more visibility.

[Ace22]

Going forward, please post in the V8 4.0tt sub forum. You’ll get more visibility.

It seems this area has much more traffic than the sub forum, anywho, my RS7 feels the same way, always thought was much heavier feeling than my A6. In my A6 you could really feel a difference in comfort mode, very loose, whereas now very stiff even in comfort mode.

[IowaRS7]

Going forward, please post in the V8 4.0tt sub forum. You’ll get more visibility.

The sub forum is specific to the V8 4.0TT not all things RS7. If its dedicated to all RS7 topics, it should be re-labeled as such.

To the OP, which wheels and tires do you have? The width of the tires plays a role in that steering feel.

[RAF_S7]

The dynamic package include the optional dynamic steering package, so lm not sure you can make a direct comparison with your S6 steering.

The full dynamic package is also a different suspension set up. Perhaps the combination of these is causing the different steering feel....

Maybe someone with the dynamic steering option can add to the conversation....

[jb1970]

The dynamic package include the optional dynamic steering package, so lm not sure you can make a direct comparison with your S6 steering.

The full dynamic package is also a different suspension set up. Perhaps the combination of these is causing the different steering feel....

Maybe someone with the dynamic steering option can add to the conversation....

I believe I have the standard RS7 steering. No dynamic package and no dynamic steering.

[jb1970]

The sub forum is specific to the V8 4.0TT not all things RS7. If its dedicated to all RS7 topics, it should be re-labeled as such.

To the OP, which wheels and tires do you have? The width of the tires plays a role in that steering feel.

My 2013 S6 had 19 inch wheels, whereas my RS7 has a separate 20 inch winter set (245) and 20 inch summer wheel/tire (275).
Its pretty much the same on both sets. I did feel some difference going from fully worn tires to brand new tires.

However its nowhere near light enough for me with any choice of tire width/pressure.

[RAF_S7]

I believe I have the standard RS7 steering. No dynamic package and no dynamic steering.

My bad....

I thought the US RS7 had dynamic steering as standard.

[MP4.2+6.0]

Do you have Drive Select within the MMI Car set up--like I do in my S8? If so, try going into Individual mode settings and tweak the choices to your preference, including setting Steering to Comfort choice.

[jb1970]

Do you have Drive Select within the MMI Car set up--like I do in my S8? If so, try going into Individual mode settings and tweak the choices to your preference, including setting Steering to Comfort choice.

Yes, I have the steering set to Comfort in Individual.
Its definitely less heavy than in dynamic, but still not as light as I would like.

I am trying find out if the steering weight is calibrated differently between S6, S7, RS6 and RS7.
[S8 might be different again.]

It seems like the steering part numbers are the same so something does not add up.
Dynamic steering has a different part number.
I don't know if retrofitting dynamic steering is feasible, or if it would even help, but I am guessing that might be prohibitively expensive.

I don't know if there are any VCDS coding options that would help.
And I don't think there is any power steering fluid to top up or replace.

[MP4.2+6.0]

I'm not aware of any VCDS coding in this area.

As another basic, check your tire pressures, especially in front. Higher pressures (within the permitted range) can help lighten steering some. I find the ride is more affected by rear pressure than front BTW so there is a little more liberty up front if you are also trying to avoid too harsh a ride.

[socialpro]

I believe all the RS7s come with Dynamic Steering as standard.

The cars dynamic steering is activated in 'comfort' steering setting (ironic to the name of the package). In this setting, the steering ratio is VARIABLE depending on the speed of the car. At lower speeds, there is quite a bit more assist to make much less effort and turn of the wheel that's needed to make a turn.

In 'dynamic' setting its a FIXED steering ratio, and heavier steering feel then 'comfort'.

But yes - overall my RS7 even in 'comfort' steering feels heavier than any other audi I had (B8.5 S4 , C7 A6 and B9 S4 all w/out dynamic steering option).

It's an RS and so heavier steering will be part of the package naturally even in comfort mode.

Did your C7 S6 have dynamic steering?

[jb1970]

Well if the dynamic steering in Comfort on the 2016 RS7 isn't particularly light then thats not an option worth considering.

I believe dynamic steering became standard on the US RS7 beginning with Model Year 2016.
If you have dynamic steering the MMI page for configuring Individual displays the term "Dynamic Steering" whereas its just says "Steering" otherwise.
My RS7 is a 2015 and does not have dynamic steering. Neither did my 2013 S6.

Also I looked at the original stickers for my cars and they say:
2013 S6: Electromechanical power steering
2015 RS7: Electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering

If the steering hardware is essentially the same in both cars, then it must be different programming.
If so there is probably a way to change it, I hope.

I came across an interesting pdf on steering from VW.
http://www.volkspage.net/technik/ssp/ssp/SSP_317.pdf

I wonder if there is something similar from Audi.