Steering

[TomKat99]

I borrowed my dad's s2 over the weekend. I've noticed that when in full lock the steering dose not straighten itself up when you let go of the wheel. I dont know if it because of the 4wd? I own a 200sx so rwd and this dosnt happen in mine.
I have owed a mazda 323 4x4 before, and im sure it didnt happen in that. So what do you lads think? Problems with the steering rack? Or nothing to worry about

[Greg_S]

Dont think ive ever tried with it on full lock to recenter.

[TomKat99]

Just noticed that i've posted in the wrong section. Done it on my phone at work on the sly. Would the mod's please move in the right section. Sorry

[Error404]

Welcome I used to have an S14 for my sins

Sounds like you need to unload the pretension on the steering rack a little bit - do a search on "rack pre-load", its a 5 minute job

[Pirvu Eugen]

Or the geometry is not corect!
Hope this helps!

[TomKat99]

Cheers lads. I think it may be the seals in the rack. Fluid is low and there a load of oily muck at the back of engine/gearbox. But the rubber boot thing on either end of the rack looks new and clean. Dad gone for some fluid today so at least we will be able to keep an eye on the levels. I'll better take a closer look. Hopefully its last till things get a bit warmer. Thanks tho.

[Error404]

seriously dude, check the pre-load its a 5 minute job and the symptoms sound like its that

[TomKat99]

Just had a quick search on the pre load. I will try it first. Dad wasnt able to get the fluid today. I take it we can use any power steering fluid. Or is it an Audi job?

[TomKat99]

Cheers lad! Will have ago at the pre load. Wasnt able to get the fluid today. I take it we can use any power steering fluid or is it an Audi job?

[quattrostyle]

you can't use just any power steering fluid! Go for the pre-scribed green fluid that's suitable for Audi!

[Error404]

DON'T use ANYTHING but the correct audi fluid or it destroys the seals in the hydraulic suystem!

[S2central.net]

Seconded - Audi only green mineral oil... A previous muppet destroyed a rack of mine cos of generic PAS fluid.

[Barber]

I topped mine up recently with LM hydraulic mineral oil mainly used on citroens it says on the bottle, its luminous green, is this stuff ok?

[TomKat99]

Right lads looking a complete novice here. Cant find the 12mm nut on the rack. I take it you look under the bonnet. Found a nut that i thought was it (near the brake reservoir) but its not a 12mm. Any advice.

[Foeglass]

this is the preload bolt circled red in the picture.
Mind you that this is from a left hand drive car not a RHD.. but the bolt is the same..
It gives you an idea on what your looking for..

I've refurbished mine with a kit from audi. saves aloth of cash btw so if your handy i recommend doing the same...