steering takes too much muscle?

[sciencefan]

Does anyone else have a problem with hurting your arm and shoulder muscles just turning the steering wheel? It feels more like rack and pinion steering instead of power steering.I'm starting to wonder if I'll be able to keep this vehicle! I love it... it's lots of fun... but it hurts!

[Houston]

Vibes are easy to turn. Something's wrong with your steering mechanism.

[L5K]

Yeah, I'd agree something is probably wrong with your power steering. Does it make any noise when you turn the wheel? That would be a sign that it is low on fluid, and could cause it to be difficult to turn.

[scherry2]

the vibe does have rack and pinion steering. something is wrong with your power steering.

[sciencefan]

Hmm. I just got the car on Sunday from a used car dealer who bought it in an auction. My mechanic is replacing a tie rod today, so I guess I'll have him check the power steering for me.One if the problems is that I'm only 5'1" so I have to sit rather forward, but I'm afraid to sit too close because they say the airbag could kill you if you're too close. So maybe my arms are in the wrong position, too, but it does seem that I am having to exert a good bit of strength to turn the wheel. I have to use two hands... not one finger... like on my Grand Caravan.

[sciencefan]

Quote, originally posted by L5K »Yeah, I'd agree something is probably wrong with your power steering. Does it make any noise when you turn the wheel? That would be a sign that it is low on fluid, and could cause it to be difficult to turn.No, it doesn't make any noise.

[keithvibe]

yea i steer mine with two fingers most of the time. There is something deff wrong with your system.

[sciencefan]

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »yea i steer mine with two fingers most of the time. There is something deff wrong with your system.Hmm. Ok, thanks.I'm glad I asked.And thank you everyone for your responses.For the record, I LOVE the Vibe! I think it's the most fun car I have ever owned! I love all the bells and whistles. I am especially having a wonderful time enjoying the sunroof! (This is my first sunroof, so I'm like a kid with a new toy, I guess.)And it 's a good thing I found the owner's manual online, or I would have never realized that the CD player is actually a 6-CD changer!

[Sublimewind]

I wish they would have made the Vibe with a telescoping steering wheels/adjustable pedals that's so popular on slightly higher level cars... It would make getting the right seating position so much easier... This may sound odd, but have you considered using some sort of "block" on the pedals, so you don't have to sit so close to the wheel??? I have this great fear when I see people driving right up on the steering wheel... Thoughts straight out of a horror movie..

[lovemyraffe]

I don't have to use any muscle to steer my car. Something probably is wrong in there somewhere.

[sciencefan]

Well, apparently, I must be a weakling because 2 mechanics test drove it today and they had no trouble. I think one of the things that's causing a problem is that the steering wheel is a bit slick and I have to use extra strength.But on a different note,,,I did my second fill-up today, so I was able to check my mpg... on my 2003 Vibe... which was mostly city driving... and not going over 55 mph... and I got close to 30 mpg!!! Woo-Hoo!!!

[Kincaid]

I'm assuming you have the first generation model as the new Vibes have tilt/tele for the steering wheel.That said, I'm jealous of your six-CD changer. I believe mine only has a single CD.

[star_deceiver]

The '09 steering wheel tilts and teloscopes (not enough IMO) but no pedal adjustment. The gas pedal is held on by 2 bolts so by adding a longer bold and a block you could bring the gas out a bit. Brake and Clutch would need some improvising!