Noob question: "stiffness" of steering wheel

[dawack1]

Hey guys,

ive got an 03 civic sedan gli, and forgive me for the 'noobness' of my question

is it just my car or do you others who have the same model find that the steering wheel "stiffness" is more noticeable than in other cars? is there greater resistance that has to be overcome in rotating the steering wheel on a civic than on other common cars?

the cars im specifically comparing to are a 00 model camry and a 07 golf, both of which were easier to handle simply based on how much more easily the steering wheel could be rotated.

i recently had the car serviced for its 40000kms. i imagine it has something to do with the power steering fluid?

thanks, and i apologise for the wording

[SHOGUNOVDDRK]

Changed rims?

It could possibly be power steering fluid (imho)

[dawack1]

no, everything is stock. tyre pressure was low a while ago and i pumped the tyres. after servicing, they didn't report anything wrong with tyre pressure or anything so there probably isn't a small puncture or anything. the air filter was replaced because it was blocked/dirty.

we can't check power steering fluid levels ourselves can we?

thanks for the reply

[T-onedc2]

I have found Hondas to be a little heavier in the steering compared to Toyota, but it adds feel to steering so I like it.

[dawack1]

yeah i agree with you, there's more feel to it but i feel as though it was too significant a difference. the camry i drove is a station wagon so you'd expect there to be less of a noticeable difference in the heaviness of the steering. another thing is, with the heavier steering, one-handed steering isn't as fun haha.

either way i'm relieved to hear that hondas generally DO have heavier steering (better terminology :thumbsup:).

[dc2dc2dc2]

driving a camry is like riding a cloud
its not that bad 1 handed steering?
build up some muscles :)

[T-onedc2]

Another thing to remember is Camry's are one of the farthest removed cars from any kind of motoring enjoyment, people who buy one simply want transport therefore they like everything to be easy to operate.

[dawack1]

haha fair point, as long as theres nothing wrong with my car. i should try someone elses civic to see if it's similar or if its just my car.

cheers :thumbsup:

[clem]

lol mate you are lucky you got the gli version if your complainin bout the steering. our vi version has electric power steer therefore its stiffer. but least i save on power steer fluid lol...

[Riced_Civic]

my steerings fine ive had no problems, i find it light as

[Crapdaz]

stop complaining about heavy steering =P , revert to non power steering and you'll start complaining.

[vinnY]

on the topic of stiffness, i actually find my ek4 steering a bit light
running stock profile tyres (195/55/15)
anyone have any suggestions on making it a bit stiffer without losing power assistance?

[SHOGUNOVDDRK]

stop complaining about heavy steering =P , revert to non power steering and you'll start complaining.

Agreed

Then add a Shoulder complaint :p

[ton3z]

my steering is as loose as my girlfriend

[e240]

Another thing to remember is Camry's are one of the farthest removed cars from any kind of motoring enjoyment, people who buy one simply want transport therefore they like everything to be easy to operate.

Hey! I take offence to that! I'll race ya in one (at a track off course!) ;)

[Riviera]

lol stiff steering meaning you got good alignment yea lol

but yea i do notice heavy steering even in the FD's...

[Simmo2302]

i had a 02 gli gold edition civic. everything stock, steering was great. not too light.

(compared to my 95 odyssey, 99 festiva [non-power steering], '90 falcon)