| Author |
Message |
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
New Zealand
Soarer Limited UZZ31 V8
Posts: 3447
Reg: 11-2005
|
Now that my Soarer has been put on the road, It feels strange driving it after driving my 540i for the last couple of months.
The steering is so light, you just turn the wheel with total ease and the car turns - I can now see what they mean about the vague feeling these cars have - my 540i by comparison is quite different, much stiffer steering which I preffer, but since its a BMW theres a hell of a lot more feel going on in the front wheels. Definitely more confidence in driving it than my soarer, though the Soarer is a far more smooth, with some upgrades to the suspension I could see it improved though.
Anyway.......... is there anyway to make the power steering slightly stiffer at lower speeds - I recall up top it stiffens up but at low speeds is where I want it stiffer.
Funny I dont remember my Soarer being so easy to steer before I rebuilt the P/S pump... perhaps with the new fluid and seals its all smooth again? |
Prem Ananth Ganesh
Tinkerer
Kuala Lumpur
Soarer (MZ10) & (JZZ30)
Posts: 99
Reg: 11-2006
|
Correct me if i am wrong, but isn't that the soarer power steering is controlled by a separate ecu box that makes the steering stiffer as the speed increases? I just rebuild my pump and yes its so light. Would love to know how to make it stiff too. |
Dave Rose
DieHard
wa
uzz31 v8
Posts: 802
Reg: 03-2007
|
Mike disconnect small vac pipe that goes to pump ,it makes the steering lighter at low speeds, block manifold side. |
Callum Finch
Goo Roo
WA
Soarer TT & Corolla
Posts: 4388
Reg: 09-2005
|
You could try a smaller steering wheel =P |
Ali Saeed
TryHard
WA
V8 Limited
Posts: 289
Reg: 09-2007
|
lol i drove my dads ml280 and my mums rav4 after driving my soarer for a week, the steering wheel on those are soooo light compared to the soarer. |
Cameron Laufer
DieHard
Queensland
 Soarer Central TEST'n'TUNE Saturday 25th APRIL WILLOWBANK
Posts: 703
Reg: 12-2007
|
Easy, Down on the Power Steering rack (drivers side under turbos I believe), is a electrical plug with a couple of wires in it, just disconnect it and you steering will feel great. |
Tom Richards
TryHard
nsw
V8
Posts: 183
Reg: 08-2005
|
disconnecting yje elect plug as suggested above will make the steering very heavy at low speeds(eg parking) |
Damian Ware
DieHard
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 892
Reg: 10-2005
|
Much better option for a V8 you can swap the power steer computer with a TT.
A TT power steer computer in a V8 makes it stiffer, V8 comp in the TT makes a TT lighter.
This is the results of someone elses testing not my own so I cannot confirm them but given the way they work it makes sense.
That being said I cant believe you want the steering stiffer. It is more than stiff enough to provide exceptional control. |
Vinh Bui
Goo Roo
NSW
94 UZZ31 (V8) / 96 JZZ30 (TT) / 97 JZA80 (TT)
Posts: 2784
Reg: 07-2005
|
I was thinking about that Damian while reading this thread, however I wasn't sure if it was possible. Surely the PS computer must be from a similar year model if you are going to swap them around?
With that being said though, the steering in the UZZ31 compared to my JZZ30 is miles apart. Think complete opposite of the UZZ31 Mike. I think doing what Damian said might be worth a shot. |
Cameron Laufer
DieHard
Queensland
Soarer Central TEST'n'TUNE Saturday 25th APRIL WILLOWBANK
Posts: 704
Reg: 12-2007
|
Tom Richards wrote on Monday, April 13, 2009 - 08:17 pm:disconnecting yje elect plug as suggested above will make the steering very heavy at low speeds(eg parking)
Try it, It is done in mine and not that heavy at all |
Tom Richards
TryHard
nsw
V8
Posts: 184
Reg: 08-2005
|
isn't there a track setting where you put a "paper clip" between 2 pins at the diagnostic port that stiffens PS?
As to disconnecting the plug above, the PS on my sons V8 was very heavy due to this plug being disconnected by a previous owner. Re connecting it made a huge difference at low speed. |
Joe Russell
TryHard
Marlborough
4.0 V8 GT-L(UZZ31)
Posts: 345
Reg: 10-2008
|
Try this Mike:
http://www.autospeed.com/A_110778/cms/article.html |
Tom Nicol
TryHard
Vic
JZZ30 TT
Posts: 258
Reg: 01-2006
|
I want my steering to be lighter!
A few months back I had my power steering rebuilt and coilovers put on my TT. At first the power steering was so heavy I could hardly even get it to full lock, but once it all settled in and loosened up a bit the steering got better, but still heavy enough that I can't use my palm to turn in carparks.
Is there any way to make it lighter? |
Damian Ware
DieHard
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 905
Reg: 10-2005
|
Tom as per above,
Damian Ware wrote on Monday, April 13, 2009 - 08:53 pm:Much better option for a V8 you can swap the power steer computer with a TT.
A TT power steer computer in a V8 makes it stiffer, V8 comp in the TT makes a TT lighter.
This is the results of someone elses testing not my own so I cannot confirm them but given the way they work it makes sense.
|
Ben Kelly
DieHard
Wentworthville
v8
Posts: 576
Reg: 08-2005
|
yeah well ive been driving a jag quite a bit recently and agree with tom, my v8 steering feels heavy by comparison. would love to cruise with lighter steering. if anyone knows a mod id love to hear it. |
Russell Rohde
TryHard
Queensland
Soarer 1JZ 2.5L TT (JZZ30)
Posts: 114
Reg: 07-2006
|
Well, after reading that guide Joe Russell linked to, would it not be possible to remove the progressive steer all together and just apply 12V direct to the solenoid? ****As i've just had my rack rebuilt, and the people who did took it upon themselves to paint it black, I cant see the rated voltage of the solenoid. |
Ben Kelly
DieHard
Wentworthville
v8
Posts: 582
Reg: 08-2005
|
so russell did they apply the 12v directly? is the steering lighter? |
Russell Rohde
TryHard
Queensland
Soarer 1JZ 2.5L TT (JZZ30)
Posts: 117
Reg: 07-2006
|
It's me doing it. I'll give it a go tomorrow maybe. Thing is that im Trying to fix a problem i'm having with no p/s below 1000rpm. I'll give it a go and see however my work shifts are all over the place at the moment and finding time is difficult. |
James Buchan
Tinkerer
Vic
UZZ31 V8
Posts: 75
Reg: 10-2008
|
Go drive a Toyota camry then go back and drive your Soarer. The Camry's steering is so incredibly light it's not funny. |
Russell Rohde
TryHard
Queensland
Soarer 1JZ 2.5L TT (JZZ30)
Posts: 118
Reg: 07-2006
|
Yeah. Brother in law just bought a new one and I know exactly what you mean. The brakes are bull shizzle touchy too. Car dosent feel like a car. Feels like a video game setup with the force feedback turned off on the steering and maxed on the brakes! |
Tom Richards
TryHard
nsw
V8
Posts: 190
Reg: 08-2005
|
to the guys who want to make the steering lighter, check that the elec plug mentioned above is connected. If it is not normal driving isnt too bad, but low speeds is heavy |
Chris Round
TryHard
WA
Soarer TT JZZ30
Posts: 107
Reg: 06-2008
|
I just wanted to clarify - hopefully photo helps.
I want it lighter at idle, it doesn't activate at all on idle or increase revs by itself, but works great when I tap the accelerator while parked.
I checked all connectors in the area mentioned, all seem connected, but am I missing one? Perhaps the wiring itself is damaged?
I am still hoping it is just an electrical fault and not a failure of some kind. |
Russell Rohde
TryHard
Queensland
Soarer 1JZ 2.5L TT (JZZ30)
Posts: 119
Reg: 07-2006
|
I'll post back tomorrow after I have another look. I've found a ac/dc power supply for electronics so I'll give the solenoid a test tomorrow and see if mine is operating correctly. With that mentioned plug, if I disconnect mine, my steering is heavy at all speed/revs - really heavy at idle. |
Mal Nicholson
TryHard
W.A
TT
Posts: 160
Reg: 01-2009
|
everyone has this all WRONG!
Any good soarer mechanic knows that all you have to do to make the power steering stiffer is park your soarer next to a much sexier soarer and presto!
*insert crickets here.
Get it? sexier soarer...stiff...do I have to spell out boner?
|
Mike Dobkin
TryHard
Essex
Soarer TT
Posts: 153
Reg: 10-2008
|
Chris Round wrote on Monday, May 11, 2009 - 07:40 pm:I want it lighter at idle, it doesn't activate at all on idle or increase revs by itself, but works great when I tap the accelerator while parked.
Surely that's because the steering pump is running slowly at idle and needs a few revs to get the pressure up...... or am I missing something here? |
Chris Round
TryHard
WA
Soarer TT JZZ30
Posts: 113
Reg: 06-2008
|
That is my understanding yes Mike.
However I wanted to confirm that my situation is normal - or should the actuation of the pump increase the revs?
Maybe I have driven too many cars that are newer than mine, as I am used to sitting at idle, turning the wheel and the revs increase to about 900-1000rpm in order to make use of the power steering.
If that doesn't occur on a 92 soarer, then that is what I need to know, and that I 'DO' need to tap the accelerator to give it some power, instead of it increasing by itself.
Is this making sense to anyone except me? Am I expecting too much of my lovely 92 soarer that has technology in it that even 2002 model cars don't? |
Mike Dobkin
TryHard
Essex
Soarer TT
Posts: 154
Reg: 10-2008
|
Mine tends to be a little heavy at tickover and I have got in the habit of switching on the aircon (if its not on already) which raises the tickover nicely. |
Chris Round
TryHard
WA
Soarer TT JZZ30
Posts: 115
Reg: 06-2008
|
True - that does work better.
So that's the perfect example. Should the power steering increase the revs just like the air conditioner increases the revs at idle?
I have only experienced the opposite - never a car that increases the revs for air con - what a luxurious pig!!
I thought something was wrong when I finally had my air con repaired - and idling at 1000rpm I was like - OI! stop using my fuel!
Oh well, I think I will just do that from now on, make parking a bit smoother. |
Andrew Ferres
Goo Roo
WA
'90 C-F Celsior V8, '84 Soarer V8, '91 Supra V8
Posts: 1137
Reg: 07-2005
|
Jaycar digital pulse adaptor should do that.
http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=KC5384
Personally I want no change under 20kph, then a small amount of assist from 20-50kph, and no assist above that.
I'm led to believe the Jaycar unit can do it, but yeah, effort. |
Phil Gibson
Goo Roo
WA
'91 UZZ31 track bunky, '94 blk/blk UZZ31
Posts: 1447
Reg: 07-2005
|
Steering should definately NOT be heavy in a V8 at idle and the engine should not sound like its labouring at any point, if it is there is a problem somewhere (may not be anything major, possibly air in teh PS system but could also indicate your PS pump needs overhauling)
IMO one of the best (and relatively simple) things you can do to improve the steering feel is to piss off the stock bus steering wheel and replace with something smaller such as a JZA80 one |
Tom Nicol
TryHard
Vic
JZZ30 TT
Posts: 261
Reg: 01-2006
|
Tom Richards wrote on Saturday, May 09, 2009 - 12:30 pm:to the guys who want to make the steering lighter, check that the elec plug mentioned above is connected. If it is not normal driving isnt too bad, but low speeds is heavy
Which plug exactly? |
Paul Fitzsimmons
TryHard
nsw
12/96 vvti single
Posts: 226
Reg: 08-2005
|
Who knows where the power steering control box is located. Behind the glove box?
Also the colour of the wire going to solenoid would be very helpful.
ps 12/96 soarer. |
Boris Siljanoski
DieHard
Western Australia
Soarer GZ20 TT
Posts: 560
Reg: 11-2007
|
People who have bad steering assist at lower speeds, ever think that the motor/solenoid that controls the amount of assist is not functioning well or failed?
|
Dave Rose
Goo Roo
wa
uzz31 v8
Posts: 1165
Reg: 03-2007
|
OK (v8) the two tubes that run down to the p/steering pump are connected to a pressure switch on the out put side of pump ,as pressure builds it opens it to allow air from aircleaner through switch to the inlet manifold this lifts the revs
there is one way to half the power !remove half of the paddles in the pump
|
Rob Rojo
Goo Roo
NSW
Soarer TT
Posts: 3692
Reg: 02-2010
|
Soarers have speed sensitive power steering and If your steering is heavy at idle but normal at higher revs check the above mentioned plug that connects to the steering rack that it is connected, it can easily come undone if someone has changed the alternator or even worked on the exhaust.
The Power steering controller or power steering ECU is located behind the glovebox, easy to get to and swap with glovebox removed.
If the steering is too light swap the PS ECU with one from a TT. |
Paul Fitzsimmons
TryHard
nsw
12/96 vvti single
Posts: 227
Reg: 08-2005
|
Mine is a vvti turbo. I find the steering too light at speed. Anyone know the colour of the wires leading to solenoid? |
Paul Fitzsimmons
TryHard
nsw
12/96 vvti single
Posts: 228
Reg: 08-2005
|
Can anyone please identify these wires. The photo is of the plug which connects to the power steering ecu.
Can anyone take a photo of the relevant page of the electrical schematic? and post it.
Or is this a copyright issue.
I will post a tutorial of the planned project using the Jaycar Digital Pulse Adjuster.
P.S 12/96 vvti
Green + silver band
black + yellow stripe ign +12v?
pink + silver band speed signal?
white + black stripe
yellow + silver band |
Andrew Ferres
Goo Roo
WA
'90 C-F Celsior V8, '84 Soarer V8
Posts: 1225
Reg: 07-2005
|
The wires are +12v, ground, speed signal (SP1), solenoid+ and solenoid-
+12v and ground can be easily worked out with a multimeter.
SP1 can be easily worked out if you have access to the engine ecu plugs (and you know which wire is SP1)
The last 2 are the solenoid ones. |
Andrew Ferres
Goo Roo
WA
'90 C-F Celsior V8, '84 Soarer V8
Posts: 1226
Reg: 07-2005
|
W-B = earth
B-Y = most likely +12v (easy to test)
P = speed signal (most likely)
others = solenoid I'd say |
Paul Fitzsimmons
TryHard
nsw
12/96 vvti single
Posts: 229
Reg: 08-2005
|
For anyone interested.
Green + silver band Pulsed signal to solenoid.
black + yellow stripe ign +12v
pink + silver band Speed signal
white + black stripe 0v (chassis)
yellow + silver band 0v for solenoid.(connected through PS ecu.)
Solenoid coil 9 ohms.
I have installed the DPA available through Jaycar
and it works perfectly.
At low speed it controls the solenoid as normal for easy manouvering, parking etc. As speed increases it controls the solenoid to provide a heavier feel to the steering. The speed at which it starts to take affect and the rate of change are both programmable. Photo showing solenoid in question attached to steering rack and the conduit containing the wiring to solenoid. The colours change at a small plug located next to the solenoid.
Highly recommended mod.
|
Paul Fitzsimmons
TryHard
nsw
12/96 vvti single
Posts: 230
Reg: 08-2005
|
Andrew Ferres wrote on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:22 pm:Personally I want no change under 20kph, then a small amount of assist from 20-50kph, and no assist above that.
I'm led to believe the Jaycar unit can do it, but yeah, effort.
The DPA can do what you want. It gives you total control over the solenoid. Even making the steering even lighter at low speed.
P.S thanks for your responses to my questions. |
Boris Siljanoski
DieHard
Western Australia
Soarer GZ20 TT
Posts: 623
Reg: 11-2007
|
Paul you should do a step by step write up on how to install it, good mod |
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