Steering Kick

[roy666]

Hi All... over the past couple of days a steering kick has come about on my S2, it's something I've never experienced before. When I rev up the wheel kicks to the right (not excessively, but very noticeable); when I rev down the wheel kicks to the left. It happens most when changing gear and the revs change. It is also very apparent when on the motorway, in 5th, when I accelerate and then when I slow down. I've checked both sides, all the suspension mechs, struts, ball joints, ARB, steering tracks... nothing loose... all connections ok. Also, the steering is very loath to return to centre by itself from a turn, I have to help it along. I'm thinking it must be some sort of problem with the steering rack; pas fluid is ok, pump is working fine, can't see any leaks anywhere. With both wheels up and moving the steering wheel fully left and back to fully right...can't see the rack is loose. Grateful for some thoughts from anyone. cheers Mike

[Simon_P]

How much tread do you have on the inside edge of your front tyres?

[roy666]

Hi Simon - just replaced both front tyres because the inside tread on both had completely gone; goes in tomorrow for a 4-wheel tracking set up. Interesting that you should think about the tyres; the issue has only really come about since I've had the new tyres on. Got them put on last week in Plymouth, drove back to Lincolnshire via Southampton, no wheel kick at all on the drive. Only started in the last couple of days. You think the new tyres might be the issue?

[Dave Eds]

I'd think the issue is possibly what caused your previous tyres to wear out, and the new tyres are telling you that there's an issue that still needs sorting. As well as the 4 wheel tracking check, I'd be inclined to check and replace the uj in the steering column because when they start to go you tend to get some very erratic symptoms, and it's inexpensive to eliminate before you start spending on steering racks etc......

[roy666]

Thanks Spud... tracking alignment done, .. both 'toe' and 'camber' were well out. I can tell the difference in the drive but the kick is still there. This must be steering rack...can't be drive shaft..right? Not sure what else to do.

[Simon_P]

Check the rear raft bushes, especially N/S.
Also check front raft bushes and wishbone bushes.

[roy666]

Chaps - to finish this one off: it was the lower ball joint (NS) and also the track rod end on the NS. Combination of both causing the kick. Replaced all and steering v smooth now. Thanks for all the advice...cheers M

[peter canepa]

Roy,
All these years of owning the car, (22) I thought Steering Kick, was Torque Steer. Even installed the Quaife trans axle, no change. What caught my attention was the new tires. When I put new Continentals on recently, now I noticed when at highway speeds when I accelerate it pulls to the right. So thanks for the info, I will go through the suggestions you posted, and if I can ask a question. Whats a N/S ?
Cheers
Peter

[Dave Eds]

Nearside i.e. kerbside, as opposed to offside i.e. driver's side.

So the left hand side over this side of the pond, but not so Stateside

[peter canepa]

Dave,
Thanks. I'm glad I asked
Peter