[Jay 968]

My car handles beautifully, but I suspect it should be even better. I drove a friend's Boxster a couple of weeks ago and now I know what sharp turn-in feels like!

Of course I know I'm comparing apples and pommegranates, but I've read lots of folks refer to their 968 steering as 'telepathic', and I know the 968 is said to be among the best handling cars ever.

So my question is, what should I be looking at to improve this? Tires are the obvious answer, and I'm getting new ones for sure (new winters first, then fresh summers in the spring). How 'bout dampers? They pass the rebound test, but could they be to blame? Or what about bushings? Maybe time to have them renewed?

What are the likely culprits? I'm planning a trip to RS Barn next week. What goodies should I be asking about to address handling (for the road, not track)?

Many thanks in advance.

(Note: I am running 16" wheels and stock non-M030 suspension -- obviously 17-inchers would help, but that's not gonna happen before the snow melts)

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[flash]

there are so many things that could cause this that it would be impossible to tell without looking at the car

as an example of perception, the boxsters i've driven have all felt "vague" and too easy to turn the wheel - you may interpret that as quick turn in

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[Jay 968]

What I mean about the Boxster is its seeming total lack of inertia. You turn the wheel and the car changes direction as if it is weightless.

But your point is well taken. I will let the guys at RSB diagnose. Maybe this is just how the 968 is.

Flash, do you work at RS Barn?

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[flash]

lol - that would be one heck of a commute - rs barn in is PA and i am in the los angeles area

the boxster has a very different feel for sure - a lot is likely the chassis - the 968 is a softer chassis that sees a lot of lower suspension flex - this results in a lot of geometrical change - pete can show you what to do about that

there are a lot of things that can be done to improve turn in - your alignment is going to be key here - i cannot stress enough how important a good 4 wheel alignment with ride height set is to the handling of the car - there is a thread here all about alignments and different specs

some of the issue will be design choice - personally, i prefer a heavy feeling steering wheel with a lot of feedback - i come from manual steering sports cars though - i have taken a few steps to reduce the power steering input and increase feel at the wheel - some might think it's too heavy - most people like an easier turning wheel - the boxster has that

that being said, i have driven a few 968s that have a very easy turning wheel with a lot of turn in response, so much so that i initially thought something was wrong when i hopped in - it can definitely be done

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[Cloud9...68]

"What I mean about the Boxster is its seeming total lack of inertia. You turn the wheel and the car changes direction as if it is weightless."

Our 2007 BMW 328i has the exact same sensation - you turn the wheel, even going into a sharp 90 degree corner, and the car just seems to pirouette weightlessly and effortlessly about its axis. It gives the sensation that the 328 has much greater cornering power than the 968, but I know from many hours at the track with the 968 that this isn't true. Taking the same corner in the 968 feels like the car is hanging on for dear life, as if it's about to go flying into the weeds. But again, it's all just sensation, not actual cornering speed, as I know the 968 would smoke the 328 around the track. Interesting stuff...

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[94SilverCab]

I will bet big money that your caster blocks are shot. If they haven't been replaced, they will need it. Also probably need an alignment and tire pressure is very sensitive on these cars.

Guess we'll find out ned weekend.

Jay

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[Jay 968]

[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

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[SILVY968]

While we are on the subject, I can turn the steering wheel left or right about 3/4 of an inch before it acts on the steering. I have looked at the steering shaft on the inside of the car and there in no play there.
Is this simply a tired steering box or is there a coupling that might be sloppy, before it reaches the box?
How much play, if any is normal?
Brian

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[AJG]

Hi

Try the simplest check to begin with which is how well the front tyre pressures are matched, which to me is more important than being exactly 36psi. Both at 35, fine, both at 37psi fine! My old mark1 series two MR2 was very fussy about equalised pressures and this could be the same....mabye!

Andy

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[black beauty 42]

Take a look at my post "Steering rack Bolts".
Maybe this is the cause.

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