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Author Topic: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?  (Read 2555 times)

Offline Black9

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Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« on: December 23, 2014, 06:49:39 pm »
Few months back removed my 18" Monzas & replaced them with 18" BBS VZ wheels / Michelin PS3 tyres all round.

Since the VZs have been on feels like I've lost the feedback I used to get on stock wheels and the steering feeling lighter at speed...

Thought this could be down to alignment so had four wheel geo set up today. Still no difference. Any ideas?

dansmith180

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2014, 08:28:37 pm »
Are the tyres new, they can be a bit floaty when new I've found.

Offline Black9

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2014, 08:54:28 pm »
Yep tyres were new. They've been on for under 1K.


dansmith180

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2014, 08:56:29 pm »
Should have bedded in by now, normally just the first 500miles or so I find tyres can be a bit floaty. Is it pulling/ wobbling/ vibrating? I assume the tyres were newly fitted/ balanced when you put then on?
« Last Edit: December 23, 2014, 08:58:53 pm by dansmith180 »

Offline bacillus

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #4 on: December 23, 2014, 10:41:55 pm »
What tyre pressure are you using?
Without traction power is nothing!

Offline Black9

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2014, 10:49:51 pm »
No pulling or vibrating etc.. Yep all balanced up. Wheels were bought new...

Tyre pressure are ones recommended by VW, think it's 2.2 or 2.4 bar. Can't remember off top of my head... Will check Tyre pressures again tmrw just to be sure

dansmith180

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2014, 10:59:12 pm »
I was going to say tyre pressures, can't think of anything really  if anything steering should improve with new tyres and the wheels are probably a bit lighter.

What tyres did you have Before?

Offline Black9

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2014, 11:48:41 pm »
Budget tyres that came fitted to wheels

No ideas tbh. Maybe a worn bush or something

dansmith180

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #8 on: December 24, 2014, 01:57:30 am »
Yeh that's why I asked about the pulling, my front wishbone bush went and it was like torque steer above 60mph with some twitching.

Also if you've had your tracking done then they should check the bushes and if they missed it then you can get your tracking down again for free.

Offline Frenzy

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #9 on: December 24, 2014, 04:47:37 pm »
probably the change of tyres and rather than losing feel you're experiencing a better feel through the PS3s but as you aren't used to it you are interpreting it as a loss in feeling.

The weight saving with the PS3s could make the steering feel lighter and as you are used to a heavier steer due to the heavy and woollen budget tyres you don't like this new feel.


Offline OSB

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #10 on: December 24, 2014, 04:56:39 pm »
A few years ago I fitted some Uniroyal tyres and they took well over 1000miles to bed in. Felt like driving on ball bearings at first, then gradually settled in to a good grip.
Tyres do take longer to wear and bed in at this time of year. Cold / wet all affects the grip.
Give a bit longer.
Did you get a 4 wheel tracking check done at the same time as fitting? If not, may well be worth doing.

Offline Black9

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Re: Lost steering feel since fitting new wheels?
« Reply #11 on: December 24, 2014, 07:59:59 pm »
The MOT was done and no adviseries were issued for suspension. They'd Prob have picked up on any worn bushes?

I'll give the tyres some more time to bed and see what happens

Alignment was four wheel setup