larkin

iTrader: (1)

When I turn the steering wheel it doesn't result in as much "turning" as I'd expect and compared to other rx8s I've driven. I say "turning" because I haven't measured the actual degrees the tire turns per degrees the steering wheel turns.

What, mechanically dictates this ratio and can an alignment or something else fix it?

thanks

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

The size of the gear and the length of the rack inside the steering assembly. No

RallyGuy

While EDZRIDE is absolutely correct, back in my mechanic days, I faced a similar complaint. A family with two identical Mitsubishi Lancers, and one of them came in complaining that they must have had different steering racks, because they thought the ratio was much slower on one of them.

A quick check of the spec sheet showed both cars had identical racks, but a back-to-back comparison showed a definite difference in steering feel.

The final fix was indeed an alignment...the toe-angles were out enough on the car with the "slower" rack that the on-centering was extreme and the initial turn-in was much heavier. The client misinterpreted the heavier feel for a slower (higher numerical ratio) rack. They weren't actually turning the steering wheel more than the other car for a given rate of turn, it just FELT that they were.

We later learned that the misalignment was caused by their 17 year old son bouncing the car off a curb.

More to the point, having just purchased my first RX-8, I took nearly a half-dozen for test drives before settling on the one I bought, and I discovered that RX-8s are VERY sensitive to proper alignment. A slight shift in toe can cause the front end to go from smooth and progressive to heavy and twitchy. Smooth and progressive feels like a high-ratio rack, heavy and twitchy off-centre feels low ratio. But if you turn the wheel lock-to-lock and count the turns, they're identical.

-Adam

larkin

iTrader: (1)

Thanks both for your comments.

When I settle on some good winter wheel/tires I'll get an alignment along with the swap. Hopefully the new tires and wheels won't confuse the issue too much.