Driving in "3" affect steering?

[CorSVXette]

I read a lot threads about driving around town in 3rd gear so I thought I would try it. All of a sudden I noticed my steering was getting hard to turn. Like when coming out of a left/right turn, where the steering would almost automatically straighten out, I had to forcibly turn the wheel to straighten it out. Well I decided to try and go back to driving around in "D" today and it seemed to be working fine now. Is it a coincidence or does driving around in 3rd affect the steering?

[Hocrest]

I've never noticed that. I'm guessing it's a coincidence. Have you checked your steering fluid?

[CorSVXette]

Yea. Just did. It needed a little so I topped it off. I will try again in a couple of days to drive around in 3rd to see if it happens again.

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by CorSVXette

I read a lot threads about driving around town in 3rd gear so I thought I would try it. All of a sudden I noticed my steering was getting hard to turn. Like when coming out of a left/right turn, where the steering would almost automatically straighten out, I had to forcibly turn the wheel to straighten it out. Well I decided to try and go back to driving around in "D" today and it seemed to be working fine now. Is it a coincidence or does driving around in 3rd affect the steering?

I'm guessing it's coincidence Paul.

There are two types of steering, rev sensitive and speed sensitive.

The more expensive type is the speed sensitive. It is electronic. It takes a signal from one of the speed sensors, and using this as a yardstick it reduces steering assistance the faster you go.

Yours being the fwd 95 car I think it likely you have the rev sensitive type, the cheaper model, but maybe some of the US guys can confirm.

You ought to check out that your steering is mechanically OK. Run some tests on it when parked with the engine running. Check that the steering is easy to turn left or right with the engine running. Look out for tightness either side. This might indicate that one of your rack boots had punctured and you had a dry spot. If you notice this then get it looked at, a new rubber boot is cheaper than a failed rack.

Also when doing this don't hold the steering on hard lock, either side, with the engine running. It's bad practice, and you could actually blow a pipe.

Joe

[ensteele]

I would guess a coincidence as well. My thought was the PS was a little low. Let us know what you find.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by ensteele

I would guess a coincidence as well. My thought was the PS was a little low. Let us know what you find.

Agreed, but could involve a difference in RPM exiting a corner. In which case one would expect higher RPM and improved pump pressure, unless an RPM sensitive system is upsetting the apple cart.

[CorSVXette]

Originally Posted by svxistentialist

I'm guessing it's coincidence Paul.

There are two types of steering, rev sensitive and speed sensitive.

The more expensive type is the speed sensitive. It is electronic. It takes a signal from one of the speed sensors, and using this as a yardstick it reduces steering assistance the faster you go.

Yours being the fwd 95 car I think it likely you have the rev sensitive type, the cheaper model, but maybe some of the US guys can confirm.

You ought to check out that your steering is mechanically OK. Run some tests on it when parked with the engine running. Check that the steering is easy to turn left or right with the engine running. Look out for tightness either side. This might indicate that one of your rack boots had punctured and you had a dry spot. If you notice this then get it looked at, a new rubber boot is cheaper than a failed rack.

Also when doing this don't hold the steering on hard lock, either side, with the engine running. It's bad practice, and you could actually blow a pipe.

Joe

Thanks for all the info guys. I added a little fluid and will check it out for the next few days and let you know. By the way Joe, my car is AWD. My 95 came with the "safety Package" which included the AWD. By the way, how do you know if your car has the "speed" sensitive steering as opposed to the "rev" sensitive steering?

[redlightningsvx]

i believe all LS-i models had the electronic spped sensative steering

[Wikedjuggalo]

Mine is a FWD and my Rack and Pinion is leaking. I am not sure I keep an eye on my fluids and also my engine needs a reseal. I don't notice a change in steering. I am about to go out and I will check this question out for you.

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by CorSVXette

Thanks for all the info guys. I added a little fluid and will check it out for the next few days and let you know. By the way Joe, my car is AWD. My 95 came with the "safety Package" which included the AWD. By the way, how do you know if your car has the "speed" sensitive steering as opposed to the "rev" sensitive steering?

Ah, OK Paul, I did not know what was in the Safety Option package. Over here they tend to come with everything, but cost about twice what you guys paid when new.

There is a Seattle dealer from Subaru called Joe Spitz who has compiled a marvelous page showing options and years.

According to him, your L [and the Ls]has the cheaper engine rev related power steering, while the top of the range Lsi has the road speed sensitive type for '95

See the '95 list here: http://www.cars101.com/subaru_svx.html

Joe

[CorSVXette]

Originally Posted by svxistentialist

Ah, OK Paul, I did not know what was in the Safety Option package. Over here they tend to come with everything, but cost about twice what you guys paid when new.

There is a Seattle dealer from Subaru called Joe Spitz who has compiled a marvelous page showing options and years.

According to him, your L [and the Ls]has the cheaper engine rev related power steering, while the top of the range Lsi has the road speed sensitive type for '95

See the '95 list here: http://www.cars101.com/subaru_svx.html

Joe

Thanks Joe for calling my car "CHEAP"

[ensteele]

He called your SVX Cheap!

[Manarius]

That speed sensitive steering thing is kind of nifty. It makes it so at high speeds the car is "harder" to turn (to make it harder for you to screw up I guess?). This usually isn't the case with most cars because at higher speeds, higher revs means easier steering. It's fairly noticeable on my SVX.

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by CorSVXette

Thanks Joe for calling my car "CHEAP"

Hey, I'm walking on eggshells here!!

Well, just to set the record straight, rev sensitive steering must have been a a luxury item this side of the Pond. Over here, we could not get that option for love nor money.



Joe

[CorSVXette]

Well. I guess it was just a coincidence because it seems to still be happening. It seems to get a little easier to steer after driving around for a while, but still a little tight. I have not had a chance to re-check my fluid level since the last time i topped it off. Any ideas?. Tom(yt) if you are reading this, it looks like we may have another thing on my list for you to fix