Steering not responsive

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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P POPPR
Posts: 84
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2003 10:48 am

Steering not responsive

Post by P POPPR »

I'm not used to front wheel drive so this could be normal. The steering has about a 1/2 second lag. When driving straight on the highway it is most noticeable. When making the minor corrections to keep the car in its lane, the wheels do not immediately respond to the movement of the steering wheel. Anyone else notice this?
2004 Abyss MonotoneMoon & Tunes17" Aluminum Wheels/TiresAnti-Lock BrakesPower GroupAutomatic15% Tint, Rear WindowsHidden Hitch
MadBill
Posts: 1513
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 9:39 am

Re: Steering not responsive (P POPPR)

Post by MadBill »

The response on my Vibe feels as good as most vehicles, front or rear drive. It is definetly crisper with my big low profile Firestones, but even with the snowtires it isn't mushy. Unless your last car was a Corvette or BMW, you Vibe must have a problem. (assuming the tires aren't at 20 psi!)
Stang2Vibe
Posts: 2689
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 3:37 am

Re: Steering not responsive (MadBill)

Post by Stang2Vibe »

Quote, originally posted by MadBill »The response on my Vibe feels as good as most vehicles, front or rear drive. I agree. I can't pull as tight of a turn with my Vibe as I could with other cars I've owned but steering response, especially on the highway has never been a problem. Might have something wrong with the car, there. The higher center of gravity causes me to lose some handling ability, but no problems with steering response.
Former owner of a 2003 Vibe GT---Great car that gave me 8 years and 83,000 miles of trouble-free service.Current owner of a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD.
P POPPR
Posts: 84
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2003 10:48 am

Re: Steering not responsive (MadBill)

Post by P POPPR »

Quote, originally posted by MadBill »The response on my Vibe feels as good as most vehicles, front or rear drive. It is definetly crisper with my big low profile Firestones, but even with the snowtires it isn't mushy. Unless your last car was a Corvette or BMW, you Vibe must have a problem. (assuming the tires aren't at 20 psi!)Bill you get the star. The Vibe is my wifes car and I don't drive it much. I drive the Vette or the Durango. The air pressure is correct and the fluid is fine. I went to a local dealer and test drove another Vibe. Steering feels the same as her car.
2004 Abyss MonotoneMoon & Tunes17" Aluminum Wheels/TiresAnti-Lock BrakesPower GroupAutomatic15% Tint, Rear WindowsHidden Hitch
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Steering not responsive (P POPPR)

Post by ragingfish »

Having not driven anything but Tin Indians, I find the Vibe's steering to be exceptionally responsive...Guess I'll have to test drive a Vette next time and see how it compares...
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2009 PONTIAC G8
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goodvibe
Posts: 915
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2003 10:39 pm

Re: Steering not responsive (ragingfish)

Post by goodvibe »

Stock Vibes need a moment to 'take a set' because of a higher center of gravity, moderate spring rates and bushing compliance. The base shocks are also a little soft for transitions. The Gt is a bit better. Vibes track fine and the steering has no slop in it. Some TRD/Pro Kit springs would help alot, are relatively cheap and ride fine. While you're at it, get a progress rear bar and maybe a STB.
Vibe GT, TRD springs, Progress bar, STB, Unichip, Borbet E 16x7.5, 225/50 Bridgestone RE750, beefed up grounds and battery bypass capacitors(had em laying around)
drunkenmaxx
Posts: 6300
Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2003 6:19 am

Re: Steering not responsive (goodvibe)

Post by drunkenmaxx »

mine out performs the old cavy like a charm. i don't, however, know what a base feels like, and i have no idea weather or not the awd suspension makes for better handling or what. people who have driven mine do say that the steering is tight.
chew aura pizza cheat main"the world in my hands, there's noone left to hear you scream, noone's there for you"
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