Imprecise steering

[nutte]

Good thing you didn't buy an S197. Or a 3-series. My first impression of the S550 steering was how very precise and direct it is compared with every other Mustang I have had. It's right there with my Infiniti G35. Absolutely no complaints, though the ratio could be a touch quicker. That's not the same as the directness and linearity, which I find to be excellent.

Thanks for comments. I've no problem with the steering in the 3-series I've driven, or with the Infiniti G37S I previously had.
My description of the problem might be off, maybe because English isn't my first language but probably even more because I'm not really technical when it comes to cars. I basically think you've to turn the steering wheel way too much. At times I even find it "scary". If you do a quick lane change or evasive maneuver, i.e. if you e.g. make a quick right and then immediately a left... That left turn to get back to drive straight just feels so odd.


I did discuss the problem with the guys that will fix my suspension, which is Vorshlag in Plano, TX. They pretty much said what you guys have told me, i.e. that there is no easy fix. However, they also told me that the situation most likely will improve by having firmer suspension and lowering the car. That sounds very promising to me.

I can't wait to get firmer suspension. Right now, it's so soft it almost feels dangerous to do any kind of active driving and I can't understand why anyone would want it like that. Exactly the same problem I had with my previous Corvette; I guess the issue with American cars and mushy suspension is true. Well, the car definitely has potential. I just wish the Performance Package suspension was the default and then you would go firmer from there.

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[Barrel]

I can't wait to get firmer suspension. Right now, it's so soft it almost feels dangerous to do any kind of active driving and I can't understand why anyone would want it like that. Exactly the same problem I had with my previous Corvette; I guess the issue with American cars and mushy suspension is true. Well, the car definitely has potential. I just wish the Performance Package suspension was the default and then you would go firmer from there.

I'm not really sure what you expect from the car, but there's nothing dangerous about the suspension in this vehicle. It sounds like you don't belong in a pony car. Who would want to DD a car that knocks your teeth out over bumps? No thanks.

 

[OppoLock]

Thanks for comments. I've no problem with the steering in the 3-series I've driven, or with the Infiniti G37S I previously had.
My description of the problem might be off, maybe because English isn't my first language but probably even more because I'm not really technical when it comes to cars. I basically think you've to turn the steering wheel way too much. At times I even find it "scary". If you do a quick lane change or evasive maneuver, i.e. if you e.g. make a quick right and then immediately a left... That left turn to get back to drive straight just feels so odd.


I did discuss the problem with the guys that will fix my suspension, which is Vorshlag in Plano, TX. They pretty much said what you guys have told me, i.e. that there is no easy fix. However, they also told me that the situation most likely will improve by having firmer suspension and lowering the car. That sounds very promising to me.

I can't wait to get firmer suspension. Right now, it's so soft it almost feels dangerous to do any kind of active driving and I can't understand why anyone would want it like that. Exactly the same problem I had with my previous Corvette; I guess the issue with American cars and mushy suspension is true. Well, the car definitely has potential. I just wish the Performance Package suspension was the default and then you would go firmer from there.

I can jump in my 3-Series and it's a clear improvement across the board in terms of steering traits every time, save for maybe on-center accuracy at lower speeds.

Although your issues with the S550's steering seem unusually severe. I still like how it feels in my car; I wonder if the difference in weight, chassis stiffness, suspension stiffness, and rubber make that huge of a difference.

 

[BmacIL]

I have no real issues with precision or ratio, but the car I'm driving has quite loud power steering at low speeds.

 

[kesbar]

the 2015 Mustangs all have a 16:1 steering ratio

http://www.saac-mcr.com/main/2014/2015mustangUnveil/Mustang_Specs_USA.pdf

a Focus ST has a variable rack that starts out at 14.7:1 and quickens to 10:1 as you get further away from center.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/track-tests/2013-ford-focus-st-suspension-walkaround.html

I'm a fan of quick steering ratios. Having a variable system like the Focus ST seems like a nice way to give you a fast rack while mitigating the downsides.

 

[w3rkn]

The Mustang needs a tighter ratio, but I am sure if there is a complaint, it is about the vagueness of electric steering vs hydraulic.

One of the main reason I own a 135is, instead of a M235i...

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

I can't wait to get firmer suspension. Right now, it's so soft it almost feels dangerous to do any kind of active driving and I can't understand why anyone would want it like that. Exactly the same problem I had with my previous Corvette; I guess the issue with American cars and mushy suspension is true. Well, the car definitely has potential. I just wish the Performance Package suspension was the default and then you would go firmer from there.

To each their own; the base suspension is a touch too firm for my tastes -- it's all a matter of personal taste.

 

[OppoLock]

Ford is introducing an adaptive steering system on models in the near future. Whether or not this applies to the Mustang lineup is unknown.

http://www.gizmag.com/ford-adaptive-steering-system/32413/

Adjustments are reportedly based on speed more than any other variable. Doesn't sound like anything to do with the ST's ratio which ramps up as lock is dialed in.

 

[OppoLock]

The Mustang needs a tighter ratio, but I am sure if there is a complaint, it is about the vagueness of electric steering vs hydraulic.

One of the main reason I own a 135is, instead of a M235i...

I've yet to drive a car with a really solid EPS setup.

I swear, this car's steering is more accurate and predictable in lighter modes. My opinion improved big time when I stopped using sport mode's weighting. It seems backward, like heavier steering must be better steering, but it just makes this car feel like it's wading through sludge. My confidence improved as soon as I tackled the same corners in 'normal'. I wish I could disband the sport weighting when I selected any of the more aggressive modes.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

I've yet to drive a car with a really solid EPS setup.

Porsche does an amazing job with them.

 

[OppoLock]

Porsche does an amazing job with them.

I haven't driven any new-gen Porsche (981/991) which would have an EPS rack. :(

But I keep reading that in reviews.

 

[908ssp]

Most reviews of Porsche's electric steering say it sucks. They make a point of missing the old steering feedback.

As far as ratios go you can't assume the rack ratio from one car relates to the rack ratio of another car. The length of the steering arm has to be taken in consideration and rack ratios don't do that. What you need to compare is steering wheel angle to tire angle I don't know of anybody who has that info except manufacturers.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

Most reviews of Porsche's electric steering say it sucks. They make a point of missing the old steering feedback.

I've driven both, and I honestly could barely tell the difference. BMW's EPS feels horrible (although I've heard it's better in the new M3/M4, which I haven't driven), but Porsche's is just fine.

 

[Strokerswild]

Most reviews of Porsche's electric steering say it sucks. They make a point of missing the old steering feedback.

This.

Everyone raved about Porsche's non-electric steering. Now, not so much.....

 

[OppoLock]

Most reviews of Porsche's electric steering say it sucks. They make a point of missing the old steering feedback.

As far as ratios go you can't assume the rack ratio from one car relates to the rack ratio of another car. The length of the steering arm has to be taken in consideration and rack ratios don't do that. What you need to compare is steering wheel angle to tire angle I don't know of anybody who has that info except manufacturers.

This.

Everyone raved about Porsche's non-electric steering. Now, not so much.....

The 991 got knocked for the usual EPS downfalls; filtered feedback with unusual weighting, but decent accuracy. I can't share any of EVO's info since they scorch anything posted online, but I subscribe to them and can tell you that they'll be the first to praise everything pre-991 in terms of steering qualities. With that said, their latest comparo with the AMG GT-S and 991 GTS has them talking about how much better Porsche has calibrated the assistance over time. Not perfect, but better than the first round of 991s. Apparently the GT3 has the best EPS rack on the market.

And a good EPS setup is still better than a shoddy rack using hydraulically-powered assist. The GT3 has a lot of things going for it, great suspension geometry, very little weight on the nose, stiff as a rock, etc.

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