Recirculating ball steering
Discussion
Why do most cars with recirculating ball steering seem to have very low gearing? I've noticed it in Mercs and BMWs - big steering wheels and surprisingly slow steering. I drove some cars with faster recirc. ball steering ("Princess Di" shape S-class, and original C-class) but the steering ends up being really light with no feel at all.
I ask because I have 2x 190Es. Both are recirculating ball, and the Cosworth model has a slightly quicker geared steering box and should be more sporting with more feel right?
However, I actually feel that the 'cruiser' 2.0 automatic with slower geared steering has the better steering feel. It's nice to brake it late into a corner, feeling the steering load up nicely and point it through the apex. By comparison, the Cosworth's steering does feel slightly quicker but also ever so slightly rubbery, lighter, and never gives much of an impression of grip or tyres loading up. I just don't like it as much. Surely this is the wrong way round?
Is that just what happens when you try to make recirculating ball steering quicker - you lose feel? It seems the case from those more recent Mercedes with recirc ball steering.
Or could it be my tyres or some other suspension component? From contemporary road tests, after criticism for a slight lack of feel around straight-ahead, this is supposed to describe the cosworth's steering:
"Throw the 190 2.3-16 into a tight bend and the steering feel is near-perfect, firmly weighted and thoroughly steady."
That is not what I feel. Tyres are Pirelli P6000.
I ask because I have 2x 190Es. Both are recirculating ball, and the Cosworth model has a slightly quicker geared steering box and should be more sporting with more feel right?
However, I actually feel that the 'cruiser' 2.0 automatic with slower geared steering has the better steering feel. It's nice to brake it late into a corner, feeling the steering load up nicely and point it through the apex. By comparison, the Cosworth's steering does feel slightly quicker but also ever so slightly rubbery, lighter, and never gives much of an impression of grip or tyres loading up. I just don't like it as much. Surely this is the wrong way round?
Is that just what happens when you try to make recirculating ball steering quicker - you lose feel? It seems the case from those more recent Mercedes with recirc ball steering.
Or could it be my tyres or some other suspension component? From contemporary road tests, after criticism for a slight lack of feel around straight-ahead, this is supposed to describe the cosworth's steering:
"Throw the 190 2.3-16 into a tight bend and the steering feel is near-perfect, firmly weighted and thoroughly steady."
That is not what I feel. Tyres are Pirelli P6000.
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