handling is startling

[batty]

any help on this one guys

I've spent loads over the last 3 months in getting the suspension of my S2 Avant absolutely fabulous.

list includes powerflex all round, RS2 shockers & ARB's, new blue top mounts, RS2 ARB drop links.

the problem is that the car darts across the road on bumpy roads & at any steering input e.g. overtaking a car on a country road and the car is likely to swap lanes at a mere wish.

although very entertaining, this can be a little un-nerving if not paying 100% attention.

It seems like there's free-play in the steering somewhere, but I've checked out any movement & replaced most items with new & uprated.

any other experience of this ? how can I check the steering rack out for sure ?

[Beetie]

I know there is a relay that might help get some better 'feeling' through the steering by removing it. Tom (audiman) told me about this and im sure a few have done this 'mod'

[S2 Ant]

double check your steering arms on to the rack, after my clutch was done i found these had not been bolted back up properly again..... there is like a C shaped bracket that goes over the rack, this requires 2 bolts to go thru and lock nuts on the other end, if these are not very tight then it allows the bracket to move slightly giving some play in the steering as my car was doing exactly what you describe badly!!

Another option would be to get someone to sit in the car and move the steering left to right and back again quickly as you look down at the rack and attached parts to see if anything is noticeably not doing what it should.

Are you gonna be at the garage meet?

[Lee]

Check your geometry. This can cause vague steering even if all components are new.

[SteveH]

The relay is part of the servotronic system. This was only fitted on early S2s. What year is your S2? All the bits you have added recently will make the car more responsive, this may be amplifying the twitchy feeling on the road. You could also get your tracking checked and changed, this could dial out a bit of the 'pointy' front end you're describing.

[SteveH]

3 answers in 3 minutes....What a helpfull forum this is!

[Beetie]

3 answers in 3 minutes....What a helpfull forum this is!

Only the best!

[batty]

thanks for the prompt replies guys...phew!!

S2 is 1995, so not servotronic

have had new tie rods fitted - will check if they're tight & will also check the 'U' clamp

geometry was set after a 500 mile bedding-in period

garage meet - bit of a sore point - was really keen to come see you techie guys, especially as my car seems to exhibit most of the common faults that the forum guys have sorted (temp display, poor idle, dubious boost pressure, etc..). but have been working away since Jan 3rd in Berlin, so weekend time back home is all spent with the family.

thanks for the suggestions so far....

[Stick Insect]

Check your geometry. This can cause vague steering even if all components are new.

Don't get a cheap job done, go for a full check and see if your camber and caster is correct. kwik-fit can't do this.

I Don't know where you are and so can't give guidance on where to go.

David

[batty]

Hi David - I'm in Lincoln

my local specialist is Andrew Robinson, who I can totally recommend. His alignment equipment is laser & 4 wheel & looks pretty high tech, but probably not up to the standards of beisparth & Porsche (as AMD's is)

do you know anywhere local to me?

I'm going to make sure everything's tight before going for another alignment check.

cheers,

Steve

[Mikes2]

What pressure are the tyres at. Should be 36psi all round.

[batty]

need to check tyre pressures

what is the correct pressure for 235/40 x 18's on S-Line 8 x 18 wheels?

[WabTheKing]

my steering is the same, think mine is camber but will also check these bolts on the steering arms

[blu_s2]

It seems like there's free-play in the steering somewhere, but I've checked out any movement & replaced most items with new & uprated.

any other experience of this ? how can I check the steering rack out for sure ?

Another forum member kindly let me some 'notes' on the prodedures for adjusting steering play. This *may* be causing your problems if its related to excessive play in the steering wheel. If you would like a set PM me your address and I'll stick them in the post - I really need to invest in a scanner!

[S2central.net]

Ahh yes - there is an adjustment point on the rack for this purpose.

Paul