AE111 Heavy steering

[celica_xr9145]

Not a problem as such but when i had my AE101 Trueno, the steering was really light, you could turn it with one finger. With my new AE111 Levin, the steering is fairly heavy. Honestly feels like im turning the steering wheel in a BMW.

Are they all like this? I would have thought it would have been the same steering system as the AE101.

If it makes a difference, it has 17's, lowered and a momo steering wheel (going soon).

Thanks

[sergei]

If it is superstrut, then it is normal.

[celica_xr9145]

actually not sure, how do you tell without jacking the car up?

I thought all superstrut Levins had the 6 speed gearbox, mine is only a 5 speed and there is no sticker on the side.

[touge_ae101]

i don't think it is anything to be worried about. its the difference in the powersteering pumps between the 4afe and blacktop. i have noticed the same thing going from 4afe to 4age blacktop.

not that its a bad thing IMO, the light steering was always one thing that annoyed me.

[sergei]

actually not sure, how do you tell without jacking the car up?

I thought all superstrut Levins had the 6 speed gearbox, mine is only a 5 speed and there is no sticker on the side.

Superstrut will have twin pot callipers, funky fig-8 joints that are visible under the car. The top ball joint on the strut is also give away (at same level as top of the brake rotor).

[celica_xr9145]

i don't think it is anything to be worried about. its the difference in the powersteering pumps between the 4afe and blacktop. i have noticed the same thing going from 4afe to 4age blacktop.

not that its a bad thing IMO, the light steering was always one thing that annoyed me.

Not worried about it as such, when i first drove it i didn't like the heavy steering but does feel quite nice once used to it.

Will get the front wheel off tomorrow and have a look if its SS.

Thanks

[sergei]

You are looking for this:


If it has two bolts holding shock to the hub, then it is not superstrut.

[celica_xr9145]

Thanks for the pic, looks like my Levin has superstrut. As far as i'm aware i should have a factory LSD then

Thanks again

[touge_ae101]

Thanks for the pic, looks like my Levin has superstrut. As far as i'm aware i should have a factory LSD then

Thanks again

road test will tell you

[nzhogrider]

FYI I bought my Levin (96 superstrut 5 speed AE111 Blacktop) prior to having been vinned. During the vin inspection the guy failed it on only two things, front right wheel bearing stuffed = $$$ to buy replacement compared to normal Levin wheel bearings, and heavy steering. Point to note, I changed the wheel bearing and then took it back for a re-check and it passed. The steering had sorted itself out, but definately known to feel heavy occasionally compared to other set-ups. I prefer to have a little more resistance and pseudo-feel to the steering than the usual full power assist falseness, it makes it easier to get feedback from the road IMO.

[celica_xr9145]

But if it was a wheel bearing, wouldn't there be other things i would notice?

Also, i had to guy at toyota confirm if i had superstrut and no i don't so not sure why my steering is heavy.

After turning a corner this morning, when turning full lock right, one of the front tyres judder almost like something is catching. CV's are all good, no wheel rub either. I read that the powersteering pump could be jumping a tooth on the belt, does that sound right?

Should probably note that the car has a split boot over the tie rod end bushing, performance tires up front, king springs, 16" lightweight wheels and a sportline steering wheel + boss. Don't know if any of that would make a difference.

[Bling]

Smaller steering wheel than your old car, wider grippier tyres, weak arm muscles. Could be anything.

Get it looked at by toyota, saves a lot of time if its not something you can work out yourself.

[touge_ae101]

Also, i had to guy at toyota confirm if i had superstrut and no i don't so not sure why my steering is heavy.

its a blacktop thing not a superstrut thing. mine is the same.

powersteering belt is ribbed, doesn't have teeth. so would just slip. if you are feeling it judder, that is normally when the steering rack is running out of oil from the pump. we've had heaps of farm utes like that. might pay to get the PS pump checked new one is pretty cheap. toyota might be your best bet.

[celica_xr9145]

Solved, i have no powersteering belt

[Alex B]

After turning a corner this morning, when turning full lock right, one of the front tyres judder almost like something is catching. CV's are all good, no wheel rub either. I read that the powersteering pump could be jumping a tooth on the belt, does that sound right?

Welcome to the world of FWD LSD

[Mr Revhead]

After turning a corner this morning, when turning full lock right, one of the front tyres judder almost like something is catching. CV's are all good, no wheel rub either. I read that the powersteering pump could be jumping a tooth on the belt, does that sound right?

Welcome to the world of FWD LSD

Only clutch pack type though, which are aftermarket...

[1I1]

Solved, i have no powersteering belt

One of those might help!

These will still be a little heavy with wider tyres than stock. Even mac strut

[touge_ae101]

Solved, i have no powersteering belt

haha thats quite important to powersteering working!

let me guess...removed AC and was too lazy to find the correct belt to fit on with no tensioner?

[celica_xr9145]

Solved, i have no powersteering belt

haha thats quite important to powersteering working!

let me guess...removed AC and was too lazy to find the correct belt to fit on with no tensioner?

Haven't tried the AC yet the previous owner probably thought he was unrestricting power

[1I1]

AC is too handy to just remove on a street car!!!