OEM stiffness of power steering

[Berty_K]

Rented an A4 through Silvercar this past weekend. Was a great customer experience and I had a blast being back in an Audi again. But, definitely missed my 4runner.

The steering on the Audi was unbelievably light. Turning the wheel was almost effortless compared to my 4runner- which leads to my question.

Do our cars simply have heavier steering? I've flushed my power steering fluid and am using the correct ATF fluid. Curious to see if anyone has had a similar experience.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Depends on alignment and tire pressure too. Weight of the vehicle maybe.

 

[Berty_K]

Depends on alignment and tire pressure too. Weight of the vehicle maybe.

My alignment is spot on. TPMS light just came on, but I'm guessing that's because of the colder weather that just hit Chicago.

 

[codeman528]

I'm pretty sure the newer Audi's have electric power steering, which is notoriously light when compared to hydraulic power steering. They offer less maintenance and no leaks, but at the sacrifice of steering feel in my opinion.

 

[Berty_K]

I'm pretty sure the newer Audi's have electric power steering, which is notoriously light when compared to hydraulic power steering. They offer less maintenance and no leaks, but at the sacrifice of steering feel in my opinion.

That would make a lot of sense. The steering was crazy light.

I was shocked when I got back in my 4runner.

 

[nevada]

Rented an A4 through Silvercar this past weekend. Was a great customer experience and I had a blast being back in an Audi again. But, definitely missed my 4runner.

The steering on the Audi was unbelievably light. Turning the wheel was almost effortless compared to my 4runner- which leads to my question.

Do our cars simply have heavier steering? I've flushed my power steering fluid and am using the correct ATF fluid. Curious to see if anyone has had a similar experience.

yes. this was one of the first things I noticed when I test drove my 06.

after completing a 3hr drive in a Toyota highlander, then immediately driving the 4runner, there was a definite difference in the steering effort. I wouldn't call it hard, but certainly took more effort than the highlander. I actually commented on it to the salesmen, that I preferred how it steered. "more like a truck".

 

[Piggity]

Your u-joint in the steering shaft is probably on the way out. Grab some lubricant like WD40 and spray it - it's right above the steering rack. If the steering feels a lot looser than that is your issue. I just had to change mine out.

 

[Berty_K]

Your u-joint in the steering shaft is probably on the way out. Grab some lubricant like WD40 and spray it - it's right above the steering rack. If the steering feels a lot looser than that is your issue. I just had to change mine out.

How many miles on your rig? I have an 08 with 160k

yes. this was one of the first things I noticed when I test drove my 06.

after completing a 3hr drive in a Toyota highlander, then immediately driving the 4runner, there was a definite difference in the steering effort. I wouldn't call it hard, but certainly took more effort than the highlander. I actually commented on it to the salesmen, that I preferred how it steered. "more like a truck".

Yeah, I definitely dont mind it. My wife's CRV is also a lot lighter as well.

 

[Piggity]

How many miles on your rig? I have an 08 with 160k

360k km's or 224k miles. It's kind of rusty underneath, with Ontario being similar to the wintery conditions of Chicago.

 

[AuSeeker]

Your u-joint in the steering shaft is probably on the way out. Grab some lubricant like WD40 and spray it - it's right above the steering rack. If the steering feels a lot looser than that is your issue. I just had to change mine out.

[MENTION=141814]Berty_K[/MENTION] , ^this^....I would definitely try spraying a bit of lube on the steering shaft U-joint!

My 2004 seems to steer fine, I don't notice any difference in it over my Suburban which steers easily to me, but I like a bit of feel in my steering, I wouldn't like electric steering at all, I like to feel what the road is doing!!

 

[Berty_K]

[MENTION=141814]Berty_K[/MENTION] , ^this^....I would definitely try spraying a bit of lube on the steering shaft U-joint!

My 2004 seems to steer fine, I don't notice any difference in it over my Suburban which steers easily to me, but I like a bit of feel in my steering, I wouldn't like electric steering at all, I like to feel what the road is doing!!

Will definitely give this a shot. Thanks for the suggestions

 

[frei30]

4Runner 2019

any advise about EMu Oldman ?