Hello gentlemen:

After doing a tight turn (like a U-turn, for example), my steering wheel doesn't really "automatically" return like most cars I've driven. It seems slow to return and needs more help than I think it should.

Is this a suspension issue? I have new front shocks... new upper front shock bushings... and new tie rod ends.

Thanks,

SirJag

 

Alignment. I think it's caster that brings the steering back to center, but maybe toe-in and camber have an influence also. But, if you just got new tie rod ends they may be stiff, or the shop may have skewed the alignment when they installed them.

 

There's also a preload adjustment on the steering rack's pinion. There's a tendency for people to increase the preload in an effort to eliminate steering slop. A lack of self-centering is a good sign the preload has been set too high.

 

+1 Alignment.

To preload as DavidB suggests requires the ZF rack tool, I'd doubt it's been adjusted to remove slop, but then who know's until checked.

Back on the ramp for this issue, either way!

 

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Yes, it does pull to one side while driving, so I knew it needed an alignment, but I didn't know that the lack of self-centering was one indication of that. Thanks again.

SirJag

 

you won't believe the difference!

 

Try an alignment first, and when they're doing the alignment they will examine the tie rods aswell. My jag has the same, one of the tie rods is bend.

 

Or just go out and buy a Citroen CX with the DIRAVI steering - that thing will self-centre while stationary!

 

One other note that I was reminded of today while driving. When I go over bumps, the steering wheel jumps (meaning, turns a bit... sharply.... not enough to change my driving direction, of course, but just zags, if that makes any sense). Is this the same problem... or does it indicate another issue? Thanks very much.

SirJag

 

Hi there
I found this very interesting as my 2001 XJR is exactly the same
Did you ever find a resolution?

 

I did not like my car steering return amount when I bought it. Return and overal feel of the steering was a bit too wheel of fortune. Althoug my car has the speed sensitive steering option. As a car mecanic I drove the car to the aligment lift after work and result was that caster amout was to the low end of the range. As mention in this topic too that caster is the main thing what makes the steering wheel return to the center. While doing that, it gives more feel to the steering. I knew that other parts of the steering in my car was great condition so I went straight to the aligment. I looked for the maximum amount of caster while maintaining "still green" amount of camber. As these two adjustments are done via same bolts. What a difference did it make!. Now streering wheel returns back to the center by itself and there is increased feel of the what kind of grip is under front tires. Grip feel is sitll a bit vague. But it is there now. Higher caster may increase ackerman steering? But I have not noticed anything weird or wrong. Every values are within the factory limits.

 

Thank you, that's great information