Very light and unstable steering at motorway speeds

[Mr. Peri Peri]

Hi,

Hoping for some advice on my new (to me) 2008 Honda Civic Type S GT.

The car handles great at lower speeds and handles as expected up to 50-60mph, but I have noticed when on the motorway at 70mph the steering feels very light and a little unstable - there's no vibration through the wheel but the slightest movement will have a fairly large affect on the steering, and it almost feels as if the car is waving side to side a little and requires compensation to stop the steering input.

Any ideas what this could be?

I am going to check tyre pressures tonight and will probably get the tracking (4 wheel alignment) checked when I can.

Should also add the tyres are all in good condition, and almost new all round.

Thanks,

Phil

 

[Imy]

Sounds worrying. Steering is meant to become heavier at speed, if anything.

 

[NathWraith]

Does sound odd however the Gen 8 Civic does have terrifyingly light steering in my eyes.

 

[khevolution]

my first thought would be over inflated tyres, get them checked

 

[shauncr91]

I'd be looking at tyre pressures as mentioned.

 

[Mr. Peri Peri]

Thanks for suggestions.

I am sure it's not just me - I previously had a 06 Type S GT and don't remember it feeling this way.

Going to check the tyre pressures this evening as the first port of call. Will also check the tyres for uneven wear or signs the tracking may be off.

Will then look at getting a 4 wheel alignment done.

 

[Tute]

What tyres are they?

 

[Conscript]

I'd say wheel alignment would be the culprit here.

 

[Outcast]

Must get the alignment checked on my FK3 too.

I N/s rubbed a kerb t'other day and now it seems to turn right easier than left, if that makes any sense !

It doesn't pull in either direction though and you can let go of the wheel and brake heavily and it stays true ! (obviously when no-ones around before the pc brigade start huffing and puffing !)

Might be just my imagination though !

To the OP.. 8th Gen steering does tend to feel "Floaty" at high speeds.

 

[MissChief]

Over inflated tyres meaning only the centre of the tyre is contacting the road and not the whole tyre. Makes for very floaty steering indeed.

 

[Mr. Peri Peri]

Checked the tyre pressures and they were 37psi all round when they should be at 30psi.

That has made it much better, but it still doesn't feel 100% right, and still a bit "floaty" so having the 4 wheel alignment checked tomorrow evening too.

And to the question above, the tyres are Yokohama Advan Sports.

 

[abbotsmike]

Does it have a variable assistance power steering system? Could have gone a bit AWOL and meaning that its making things lighter rather than heavier at speed.

 

[shauncr91]

Checked the tyre pressures and they were 37psi all round when they should be at 30psi.

 

[snapdragon69]

Sounds like toe-out. Wheels are each pulling equally to each side so if either gets the upper hand by way of a bump, contour or driver demand, the car goes that way.

 

[Mr. Peri Peri]

Another update... had the tracking checked and the fronts were perfect. The rear, however, not so much.

Apparently there is no adjustment on the rear so no idea what would cause this to be so out. There is no evidence of damage to the wheel/side or underneath the car.

It also drives perfect with the exception of feeling a little light at the front. What do you guys make of this?

Is there any way to adjust the rears?

 

[GinG]

Have you checked the pressures?

 

[Mr. Peri Peri]

Yes, that made it a little better but not solved completely.

ABP Motorsports make shims for the rears to adjust the camber/toe to change the geometry so will be able to correct this... good excuse to get a fast road setup done at the same time I think

 

[Fuzz]

I'd say wheel alignment would be the culprit here.

/\

That

 

[Fuzz]

it's got no camber at all at the front and loads of toe out on the rear.
Once you fix this it'll feel a lot better.