GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

After driving a Chev. Malibu for about one week, I found my Vibe's steering is really hard to turn, especially at low speed, is it common? It is even harder than my old Neon.

Try pushups.

Quote, originally posted by NovaResource2 »Try pushups. Ha haha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good 1.... Mine does not have that problem.

Hahaha, that is very funny. But seriously, I find the steering on the Vibe great. I would think it's an issue if the wheel is difficult to turn.

i have no probs turning my steering wheel.

It's likely just the different "effort" the suspension engineers dialed into the Vibe power steering vs. the Malibu, especially since you noticed it only after some time in the latter. To set you mind at rest perhaps you could get a short drive in another Vibe and compare. If it still feels odd, a mechanic could evaluate it and advise.

It is a little more difficult to turn, but that was one of the things I loved about the Vibe. I like a car that has that stiff steering. I took my dad's Malibu to the shop the other day and I hated the steering, It was too loose.

Actually when driving it feels ok, but when parking it is a little bit difficult. Espeically when I try to trun the wheels straight.

Well, keep in mind, you should avoid turning the wheels if the car is not moving forward or backward at hte same time. Turning the tires while stationary puts a lot of effort on the power steering, but also wears down the tires significantly...Not to say that everyone doesnt' do that...but I vaguely remember reading somewhere that manufacturers actually advise against that...

i cringe when my wife does that!! I've read the same advice somewhere too.(it also bugs me when people park on flat surfaces (not incline/decline) and leave the wheels turned all the way in one direction...)

I'd like an even heavier feel.

Check your vibe power steering fluid.... Lack of fluid will make the steering wheel stiffer.

i like the stifness (huh huh) it makes the car feel more like it's sticking to the road

Okay, I went from a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis GS. So, it felt very sporty compared to what I had before. I like this car soo much more than that boat I used to drive. Inder Singh

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe »i like the stifness (huh huh) it makes the car feel more like it's sticking to the roadYou said stiffness.

huh huh, yeah... then i said feel.huh huh that was cool

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe »huh huh, yeah... then i said feel.huh huh that was coollol, wow. a blast from the past.

i found the wheel is alot harder to turn( as well as car has more understeer,) when in high RPMS, as when in low RPMS, or not engaged, the car will slide easily if jerked hard enouph, maybe you driving around at really high RPMs ?!?!

Quote, originally posted by Atomb »(it also bugs me when people park on flat surfaces (not incline/decline) and leave the wheels turned all the way in one direction...)Does this actually cause harm, or does it just bug you from a "preference" standpoint?

The steering is stiff in the Vibe as compaired to my old Dakota or my ancient Malibu. I think the stiffness gives you a better feel of the road.