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Steering problem

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Philmed

PCGB Member
Member
Hi Guys and gals
Wanted to pick your brains please, my boxster 986 has this steering issue, not sure if anyone else has had the same problem, I have had two new front struts, new PS4s and 4 wheel alignment, when driving and turning the car, let the wheel go, but the steering doesn't ping back straight, usually if you turn the steering wheel say on my van going around a bend, let go and the steering goes straight, any ideas please, driving me mad.....pardon the pun!!
Many thanks ??
 
Phil,

Assuming you’re getting full castor return when you release the wheel, do you mean that wheel wheel is then not horizontal for the straight-ahead position? If that’s the case then it sounds as though whoever did your geometry set-up made a mess of it either by not checking that the wheel was horizontal when they set the front toe-in or that the toe-in wasn’t the same for each side.

On the other hand if you mean that you have to physically steer the car to get it to drive in a straight line then there’s definitely some seriously wrong with the geometry set-up front to rear.

I’d take it back and get them to check the whole set-up.

Jeff

 
Hi Jeff

Thank you so much for your reply. When I'm driving the car in a straight line, if I turn the steering wheel either left or right, let it go, normally the steering should ping back straight, I have to physically straighten the steering wheel myself to get it back straight, if that makes sense?? So I'm assuming the geo isn't right, not sure if the castor needs to be adjusted to help? Really sorry but don't understand castor affect if this maybe a problem?

Many thanks Jeff 😊

 
Imho Jeff is dead right

thesteering should spin to straight ahead after lock is applied and the wheel released.

something tight, ball joints or simply the geo, esp the cater.

caster gives self centering.

back to the alignment shop, get them to drive the car first.

let us know the result please.

 
Thank you so much guys for your input, very much appreciated, I will go back and see what they say, I will keep you posted!

Many thanks guys!!

 
Yes, definitely something’s not right there Phil. Since the struts have been replaced maybe there’s a problem with the upper pivot hanging-up on one or both of them … they should turn freely. Something else your specialist should be checking.

Although camber angle and toe-in are adjustable, the castor angle which provides self centring (think shopping trolley) is fixed by the suspension components and is not adjustable but is measured during the geometry check and should be within tolerance.

Jeff

 
Hi Jeff

Thank you so much for your help Jeff, very much appreciated, unfortunately I have mentioned my problems to the guys that replaced the front suspension etc, alas they tend to ignore my query and messages, I am now trying to find a Porsche garage to help me sort this out, alas again no one seems want to help, loosing confidence and maybe sell the thing.....being negative now, will find someone I'm sure??

Many thanks

Phil 😊

 
Give Chris a call at Center Gravity. Even if you’re not nearby I’m sure he could tell you quickly what it could be. Based on your location we could recommend other specialists too.

 
Thank you most kindly, I can give him a call, though if you could recommend anyone nearer my location I would be most grateful. TN14 7PN

Many thanks for all your help, finger crossed I can get this sorted!! 😊

 
Hi Phil,

It sounds as though the company who did the work aren’t treating you fairly. You could always threaten them with being reported to Trading Standards to see if that gets their attention.

Unfortunately I’m not in your area, but there are a number of Porsche Independents in your area who should be able to help. There’s Brooklands Specialist Vehicles in Swanley whose name I recall being mentioned favourably, and there’s La Rose in Sevenoaks who are a relatively new outfit so I can’t vouch for them. A bit further afield, companies like Nine Excellence and Parr have good reputations. I’d be tempted to contact your Club Regional Officer for local advice: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/regions-registers/regions/south-east/kent

Jeff

 
Hi Phil, give Alan a call at The Alignment Centre in Perivale. They are not a Porsche specialist but highly experienced and knowledgeable, and Alan did a fantastic job on my AMG last week. I’m sure he could point you in the right direction - no pun intended!

The Alignment Centre 020 8998 7486 https://goo.gl/maps/FoPwM6ZS8mYFM1iV9

 
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