handling is startling

[Doug_RS2]

Where is the adjustment point for the steering? and what is the procedure for adjusting and setting up?

[SteveH]

There's a 10mm bolt where the main shaft enters the rack. It's on the upper surface, so you should just be able to see it behind the offside steering arm. (on a right hooker)

I'd err on the side of caution with this adjustment. It's pre-set at the factory and is only there to make small adjustments for pre-load on the rack, and not to take up slack in a worn out unit. I tried it on a 10v Coupe and it made the rack really stiff on full lock. This will be due to most of the wear being at straight ahead position or a few degrees either side.

[batty]

well gents

FINALLY got this one sorted out.

now working in Berlin & although the drive over here was okay (just a little steering vibration at speeds over 120), the ride through the city was unpleasurable to say the least.

When the suspension developed a serious knocking noise over anything but the smoothest of roads, I decided to have it looked at. Going on local recommendations, I took it to the local village Daihatsu dealer !!!!

I can’t praise those guys enough. Apparently the mechanics have 5 years initial training and are termed “meisters”. Without prior knowledge of S2’s, they found the following:-

Damper inserts loose in struts (new RS2 items fitted 3 months ago)
LH wishbone bent (possibly from the shock loading of damper being loose)
Bottom ball joints worn.

Had new wishbones & bottom ball joints fitted & the dampers removed, copper-grease removed from the retaining nut, and replaced. Wheel alignment done.

Since the new wishbones came complete with bushes, the powerflex bushes were removed.

Car now feels superb. Rock steady steering on the motorway and through town. No vibrations. Still quick turn-in. And stable over bumps. Well chuffed.

Bill came to 460 euros (about 320 quid). Mostly parts, as their labour rate is only 25 euros/hour (17 quid) !!!!

Basically well chuffed now, but definitely pi§§ed off that my local specialist cocked things up in the first place & failed to diagnose the problems after 3 visits. And also the local Audi dealer could not correctly diagnose the fault.

Thans for all your help guys, especially blu_s2 for sending me the rack tightening info.

[Fat Audi 80]

My Money is on geometry and tyres.
How new are your tyres?
Get the geometry checked and then buy new tyres.....

Cheers,

Steve.

[batty]

all sorted now - must have been the combination of loose dampers & un-forgiving polyflex bushes.

tyres were new 1000 miles ago, although I did expect a little tram-lining & harsh ride from them - 235/40x18

wheel alignment has now been done by 3 garages - uk specialist, uk audi dealer & Berlin Daihatsu dealer !!

car is superb again now

not sure that I'd recommend the powerflex bushes though - they're great on the back where a good solid location against most of the torque is required - but seem too un-forgiving at the front. just my opinion of course.