Quick question about steering rack feel

[evilnickwong]

Just a quick question. I've always felt that my E30 steering felt "too light" and I preferred the heavier feel of my parent's E36.

Recently found that my steering rack has been actually leaking slightly for some time. Very slow and gradual leak.

So, does a slightly leaky rack = lighter steering feel?

[Philo]

Nope. The E30 is a light car, with narrow (usually light) wheels and a long lock to lock steering rack. The E36 is heavier, (most likely) has wider tires, heavier wheels, and has a shorter lock to lock on a progressive ratio.

If you want a heavier feel you can delete the power steering and simply loop the in out port while leaving a slight amount of fluid in the rack. I run without the power steering and love the more firm feel.

[evilnickwong]

Ah shucks oh well.
Removing PS might make it too heavy for a daily driver which regularly does parallel parking and 3 point turns wouldn't it? Would removing the PS belt be a quick reversible way to try this out?

Maybe switching to a smaller diameter steering wheel will help increase effort too. :D

[Philo]

Ah shucks oh well.
Removing PS might make it too heavy for a daily driver which regularly does parallel parking and 3 point turns wouldn't it? Would removing the PS belt be a quick reversible way to try this out?

Maybe switching to a smaller diameter steering wheel will help increase effort too. :D

Removing the PS belt won't give the same effect. With the belt removed, the lines still hooked up, and full fluid it will be much heavier to steer. I manage to park, parallel park, and pull U turns all the time. But then again, I don't mind walking into a fast food establishment in opposition to sitting in my car, waiting in a line. It takes a little extra effort but it's worth it to me.

The smaller wheel might help a little, but the PS is still going to be doing all of the work. An E36 rack might feel firmer with PS, but I don't know this as a fact.

[evilnickwong]

Noted, thanks for the info.
And I'm definitely not the lazy unfit type lol, but just worried it might be too tiresome for a DD after the initial fun factor wears. :)

[Philo]

After the initial fun wears off you'll forget all about power steering. :up: