increasing self centering EP3, Caster?
Discussion
Hi,
I had an EP3 Type R from new so I know the EPS was always a bit strange, particularly a few degrees off straight ahead.
I have recently bought another one and the "duff" steering I remember is still there but it also doesn't self center very well. So exiting a T junction you have to actually straighten the steering rather than letting it do it itself as the wheel runs through your hands. I don't remember my old car doing this back in the day.
I've done research and read several people saying that this was how they always were but that isn't my recollection.
Its disconcerting and I'm reluctant to let my wife drive it as I'm worried she'll have an issue.
You don't notice at speed / on the track, by the way, it just feel unpleasant on the road.
I wondered about increasing the caster, or could age have introduced some stiction into the system?
Thanks
I had an EP3 Type R from new so I know the EPS was always a bit strange, particularly a few degrees off straight ahead.
I have recently bought another one and the "duff" steering I remember is still there but it also doesn't self center very well. So exiting a T junction you have to actually straighten the steering rather than letting it do it itself as the wheel runs through your hands. I don't remember my old car doing this back in the day.
I've done research and read several people saying that this was how they always were but that isn't my recollection.
Its disconcerting and I'm reluctant to let my wife drive it as I'm worried she'll have an issue.
You don't notice at speed / on the track, by the way, it just feel unpleasant on the road.
I wondered about increasing the caster, or could age have introduced some stiction into the system?
Thanks
The early electric power steering had a common fault where it would be notchy around the centre and not self-centre.
I had my steering rack replaced under warranty, but I believe you can get them overhauled much cheaper now.
On my car you could drive round in circles without any steering input! On the motorway it was tiring to drive as you had to apply pressure before you overcame the straight ahead notch.
There was an official Honda test the dealer did where they reverse on full lock & see if/how long it takes to self-centre. If it took over a certain time then they replaced the rack.
I had my steering rack replaced under warranty, but I believe you can get them overhauled much cheaper now.
On my car you could drive round in circles without any steering input! On the motorway it was tiring to drive as you had to apply pressure before you overcame the straight ahead notch.
There was an official Honda test the dealer did where they reverse on full lock & see if/how long it takes to self-centre. If it took over a certain time then they replaced the rack.
Edited by Sportse on Thursday 3rd August 07:20
Norfolkandchance said:
Thanks all.
I often read that things were better on the post facelift cars. Has anyone ever worked out why? The racks and OEM bushes, for example, don't have different part numbers for facelift / non facelift or anything like that, do they?
I ended up fitting a facelift rack to my pre facelift, I heard they were a bit quicker? but never really confirmed it. Did it at the same time as completely refreshing the front end, with the caster bushes etc. Feels like a different car, but all the bushes on mine were goosed by then anyway.I often read that things were better on the post facelift cars. Has anyone ever worked out why? The racks and OEM bushes, for example, don't have different part numbers for facelift / non facelift or anything like that, do they?
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