Hello,

93 Classic WRX STi

My steering seems to get a little tight temporarily. When you're turning it seems alright, but when you are driving straight it feels tight. What would be the first thing to check?

Regards, Steve

 

how does it feel tight if your driving in a straight line?? the wheels not moving.

check the power steering belt is ok and not slipping. easy fix to replace.

if its going tight now and again sounds like it slipping and the pump is cutting out.

 

I mean, when you are engaged in a turn it feels good and light. But when you are straight and you just edge the wheel 10-15 degrees left or right, its tight. That make sense?

Cheers for the advice.

 

belt check first sounds like slipping

 

Cheers pal

 

maybe coincidence but as soon as the cold weather started the same happened to mine.

the belt was all frayed etc and cost £7 from local motor factors and half hour to fit.

 

Are you sure it's a 93 sti as the first ones didn't come out till 1994
On the steering front, it's assisted steering so unless you have not driven a car with it before, it could feel strange.
Do you still get that tightness when you turn the wheel?
Have you checked the pas belt?

Tony

 

You are correct, 94! Just checked. I've been getting info from the ebay advert, which said 93... my bad. First car with assisted, yes. Yes, a little tightness now and then.
I will check the PAS belt weekend and get back to you.
Thank you.

 

If it's got 18" wheels or larger fitted you can get the symptom you describe, changing the suspension geometry can rectify it to an extent, but i've never got on with any classic i've had with a wheel size over 17".

 

It has 18" Innovits.

Never seemed to be this tight tho, it's defo got worse over the last few days.

 

ok checked the belts and they look sound, and they seem tight enough too. Will replace the belt anyway this week and ensure it is tight enough. If it doesn't cure it, what else could it be? The fluid is looking fine and is full.

Also, it got worse yesterday. Happening more then occasionally now.

 

Check your tyre pressures for a start, 18s should be around 36 psi, check condition of tyre side walls.
Apart from the above it could be a few things, Strut top bearings, steer column knuckle (U/J), steer rack itself. Maybe even a track rod end gone stiff?

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll get some help and check em when I get some daylight time.