How light is the steering in your IX

[scarecrow]

Comparing my 91 318is to my 91 ix there is a huge difference in steering wheel
feel. Given the ix is 400 pounds heavier and has front axles i was thinking maybe my steering componets may be worn. The steering also wants to return to the center quicker than normal. What causes that usually, maybe an alignment problem?

[CrazyPrime]

You mean how much effort it is to turn you're wheel? My IX's steering is damn stiff PO had a brand new steering rack installed before I purchased the vehicle so I account my stiff steering to that. And when I say stiff I just mean it is tight.

[nando]

RWD steering is a lot lighter than the ix

[dubdub]

There is also a big difference as a function of the tire patch size... get more contact and the amount of effort is increased. I always notice it when I go from summer to snow tires.

Lots of variables can come into play, so it is tough to gauge what is "normal" but the "wants to return to center quicker" makes me think something is wrong.

[AndrewBird]

Caster plays a big part in steering feel. Does the ix have more or less caster than rwd cars? More generally means harder to turn and returns to center more.

[nando]

less

[EyExR]

...could be an alignment issue. Too much toe...? What CABs are on there? Are you seeing uneven wear on your tires?

The iX may feel heavier in the steering than a RWD but it still pretty darn light when everything is working correctly. Feels like a feather after I've been driving my E34 touring around prior. So it's all relative.

If it seems unnecessarily hard to turn, I would swap in a known working power steering pump and see if that cures the problem.. But first, check to make sure the belt tension on the PS is correct and the pulley is not misaligned.

[AndrewBird]

Horrible worn out upper strut mount bearings could be binding and creating some friction.

[dinan3]

As others mentioned the iX has considerably less caster built in than the RWD. Ie our strut towers are more upright (over the wheel instead of behind it on RWD). I read some pretty good articles on offset CAB to help a little with caster.


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[dinan3]

http://www.rtsauto.com/e30-control-arm-bushing-upgrades-also-applicable-to-e36-comprehensive-guide-on-control-arm-bushings/

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[audiquattrot]

get an alignment. my steering was WAY loose when my caster was off. Had it aligned, and now the steering is tighter than my E46 M3.

[The Dark Side of Will]

get an alignment. my steering was WAY loose when my caster was off. Had it aligned, and now the steering is tighter than my E46 M3.

Camber plates? Caster's not adjustable stock...

[audiquattrot]

I meant to say toe lol. Reading the threads above threw me off on my typing!

[packratbimmer]

Make sure your steering coupling is not locking up - I have had them seize and steering is super tight. Shoot it with a good quality lube and work it back and forth while the front is up if you find that it is tight.

[2002tiiguy]

if it is really bad, jack up the car and see how easy it is, also listen for clunking, the spring perch in my car had collapsed and it was rubbing on the bottom of the strut mount instead of turning on the bearing