Steering: Not returning to center
10-28-13, 10:29 PM
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Steering: Not returning to center
Hey guys. I have a problem with my steering not returning to center after making any left turn, lane change, and even u turns. I turn left or right and it will stay turning in that direction when i let go of the steering wheel. Here is the setup i have and what steps i have already taken to diagnose the problem.
I have an S4 3 line powersteering rack and s4 pump. PBM coilovers.
-checked ball joints for play and binding and there was nonE (also greased the nub that clamps onto the bottom of the spindle/knuckle)
- tie rod ends were also fine with no binding or play
- no binding at the pillowball on top of the coilovers.turns easily (tested this by turning each wheel individually, with the tie rod ends removed from the knuckle)
- bled powersteering rack and has no air in the system. reservoir filled to full with new dexron iii fluid.
- brake lines are not causing any binding with steering
-bought new tires and balanced properly
-fresh alignment with proper toe, -3 camber both sides, 5.7 caster (driver side) 6.2 caster(pass side).
-swapped my rack with another s4 ps rack and also manual rack. Still doesnt return to center
-i also shut off the car while driving at 20 mph. Made a turn without the aid of the powersteering pump/rack, let go of the steering wheel, and the car still stayed turning in that direction.
- i know the pump is fine because my friend installed it on his car which has an s5 ps rack and his steering is fine.
The only thing i can think of doing now is check for binding in the steering column and at the ujoints near the pinion, or swap racks with my friends s5 ps rack (maybe s5 racks return to center better??) whos car steers perfectly and returns to center. Ive been trying to fix this problem for months and its driving me crazy.. hopefully someone can help me out!! Id really appreciate it. Thanks everyone. Sorry for the long post.
I have an S4 3 line powersteering rack and s4 pump. PBM coilovers.
-checked ball joints for play and binding and there was nonE (also greased the nub that clamps onto the bottom of the spindle/knuckle)
- tie rod ends were also fine with no binding or play
- no binding at the pillowball on top of the coilovers.turns easily (tested this by turning each wheel individually, with the tie rod ends removed from the knuckle)
- bled powersteering rack and has no air in the system. reservoir filled to full with new dexron iii fluid.
- brake lines are not causing any binding with steering
-bought new tires and balanced properly
-fresh alignment with proper toe, -3 camber both sides, 5.7 caster (driver side) 6.2 caster(pass side).
-swapped my rack with another s4 ps rack and also manual rack. Still doesnt return to center
-i also shut off the car while driving at 20 mph. Made a turn without the aid of the powersteering pump/rack, let go of the steering wheel, and the car still stayed turning in that direction.
- i know the pump is fine because my friend installed it on his car which has an s5 ps rack and his steering is fine.
The only thing i can think of doing now is check for binding in the steering column and at the ujoints near the pinion, or swap racks with my friends s5 ps rack (maybe s5 racks return to center better??) whos car steers perfectly and returns to center. Ive been trying to fix this problem for months and its driving me crazy.. hopefully someone can help me out!! Id really appreciate it. Thanks everyone. Sorry for the long post.
