Re: 5KCSTQ Questions

[Pcarselle <pcarselle@worldnet.att.net>]

Richard Haroutunian wrote:
> 
> To All:
> 
> I recently upgraded the suspension on my 5KCS TQ -- new BOGE's Turbo Gas
> shocks, new rack, pump, bearings, alignment, and new tires which were
> recently balanced for a second time based on recommendations made from folk
> on the list 00 the steering wheel was shaking at moderate highway speeds of
> 50-70 mph.
> 
> The car handle Much. much better -- no questions about it, but I have some
> concerns.   I had the tires balanced again after 2K miles and it was
> supposed to get rid of the shaky wheel -- it didn't happen.  This could be
> because they neglected to take it for a ride after they balanced the tires
> -- don't know.  It stil-l wiggles.  It was free, and I'll take it back to
> NTB again for another balancing this week.
> 
> My biggest concern may be all in my head.  The car seems to have some
> 'play' n the steering wheel as well -- very mild, most 'normal' folks
> wouldn't notice or care -- but I do.  Even with the 'tight-but'loose' feel
> of the BOGEs, the car still isn't as 'sure-footed' as I was hoping it would
> be.  This could be due to the fact that the 5KCSTQ just isn't as nimble as
> my 4KSQ -- but I don't buy that rationale completely.
> 
> The car sits very high with no lowering springs -- I kept the stock springs
> because I prefer the clearance -- and the car is now beginning to settle a
> bit an get back to normal.
> 
> I guess my question/concern is this:  I've asked 1000 times and I get the
> same great answers, but I want to know if those of you with extremely
> modified 5000/200 TQs have the same experience with the car's handling.
> Does your car seem to have a little bit of play in the steering wheel?
> Does the steering itself seem like it's not powerful enough to direct the
> car -- almost like it's too heavy?  What is the lack of response in
> steering on this car -- and how can I modify it?
> 
> The gas shocks are great -- they are doing exactly what they should be
> doing..  How can I tighten up the steering and reduce the body roll more?
> Did I miss something during the upgrade process?  How can I improve the
> steering ability of the car?
> 
> Don't get me wrong -- it handles 100 times better than before.  I guess
> that for (1) -- I expected I would get more from the new power steering
> rack -- like it would improve the steering and (2) now that the new shocks,
> bearing, etc. have been upgraded -- it points to other things in the front
> end that seem to lack -- e.g. the steering itself.  When I upgraded the
> 4K-- everything changed -- it was like night-and-day -- a brand new car..
> 
> I know the 5Q will never be as 'agile' as the 4Q -- but there has got to be
> a way to make it damn close -- and that's all I'm' trying to do!!!!
> 
> Help, if you can -- if I make any sense!  Thanks.
> 
> Richard
> 87 5KCS TQ
> 85 4KS Q
> 82 VW Cabriolet
Richard:
Wheel balancing has to do with weight distribution of the tire
components including the "rims" (wheels)  and has nothing to do with the
"roundness" of the tire when the car is "sitting" on them or when the
tire is travelling logitudinally(formard or backwards). Test the wheels
and tires for "runout" (lack of roundness), you will be surprised....
Firmness and accuracy of steering involves ball joints, control arms,
anti-sway bar (bushings) and in your car subframe bushings....the parts
you replaced are probably Ok, but you are still exposed in many other
areas....
In addition if you change the height of the car, the angle of
inclination of the struts (hubs and wheels) changes, in your case I am
guessing you may have lost negative camber....but I am not sure if it
was properly reset, and wether this would have impact in your steering. 
I run a car like yours on H&R springs and Red Konis and Pirellis 4000's,
and the car is "brutally" accurate and quick to miss raccoons at 60
MPH....BTDT.... what is your tire aspect ratio ????
HTH, Pablo