Steering rack speed

[valentinoamoro]

A friend who has a Boss 302 and loves it says the one thing he wishes he could change is the steering speed (his car has a lot of suspension work). The steering is a lot of work at Auto-X (he is very competitive in SCCA) and is significantly more slow compared to his STI (the steering, not his times in the 302!!!)

Do we know if Ford is quickening the rack in the GT PP (or S550 GT in general)? Driving the Focus and Fiesta ST I got the feeling the rack was wonderfully quick - not comparing those cars with the S550 of course!!!

PS - I cant wait for the car to arrive. I find myself running out of steam on 6G, lol.

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[Clink]

I know in the '13-14 models with Track Apps you have to have the firmest steering setting when you take Advance Track and Traction Control off which I'm assuming your buddy does for Auto-X

Hoping the '15 allows you to choose Track Mode and also adjust the steering feel via the toggles but I do not know if it will lock you in or not to a specific setting.

 

[w3rkn]

I know in the '13-14 models with Track Apps you have to have the firmest steering setting when you take Advance Track and Traction Control off which I'm assuming your buddy does for Auto-X

Hoping the '15 allows you to choose Track Mode and also adjust the steering feel via the toggles but I do not know if it will lock you in or not to a specific setting.

He is talking about the steering ratio.. not heft.

 

[Clink]

Well then, my bad disregard :headbonk:

 

[Grimace427]

The steering ratio for the S197 was 15.8:1. According to specs on this forum the S550 ratio is 16:1. Sounds like it's slower than the old car, but that car had a single ball joint front suspension whereas the S550 has a dual ball joint front suspension. This means the angle at which the steering rack moves the front steering knuckle(and front wheels) can be altered to the engineer's desire. Since the car isn't out yet I can only speculate that the effective ratio will be just as quick or slightly quicker than the previous car, however won't be as quick as say older sports cars like the E90 M3(13.5:1). Funny to note however that the new M3 has also slowed it's steering ratio to something closer to the S550 Mustang.

 

[Trackaholic]

What does that steering ratio number mean? How is it calculated? Is it the number of steering wheel turns that would be required to turn the front wheels 360 degrees or something like that?

Edit: thanks google!
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/steering2.htm

-T

 

[Grimace427]

What does that steering ratio number mean? How is it calculated? Is it the number of steering wheel turns that would be required to turn the front wheels 360 degrees or something like that?

Edit: thanks google!
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/steering2.htm

-T

Same concept as the rear ring gear, the number of teeth on the input gear versus the teeth on the output gear. However the steering rack ratio is only part of the equation because the engineers can manipulate how the rack connects to the steering knuckles changing the effective steering effect.

 

[scottpe]

Would think if nothing else the smaller diameter steering wheel should help a little...

 

[JoeySD]

Would think if nothing else the smaller diameter steering wheel should help a little...

I agree the previous steering wheel was ginormous and rather dated compared to the all new s550's steering wheel !!

 

[KGrGunMan]

Is there no aftermarket quicker steering rack for the S197?

I don't care as much what the factory puts in, as long as the aftermarket supplies the option.

 

[OppoLock]

The steering ratio for the S197 was 15.8:1. According to specs on this forum the S550 ratio is 16:1. Sounds like it's slower than the old car, but that car had a single ball joint front suspension whereas the S550 has a dual ball joint front suspension. This means the angle at which the steering rack moves the front steering knuckle(and front wheels) can be altered to the engineer's desire. Since the car isn't out yet I can only speculate that the effective ratio will be just as quick or slightly quicker than the previous car, however won't be as quick as say older sports cars like the E90 M3(13.5:1). Funny to note however that the new M3 has also slowed it's steering ratio to something closer to the S550 Mustang.

Holy guac, that's a slow ratio. I really hope that's not the case.

 

[Seabee1973]

Does the matter of having selectable steering modes have anything to do with responsiveness? It is an electric power steer. Does it adjust firmness and responsiveness versus softer/ slower steering?

 

[OppoLock]

Does the matter of having selectable steering modes have anything to do with responsiveness? It is an electric power steer. Does it adjust firmness and responsiveness versus softer/ slower steering?

It shouldn't. Electric power-assisted steering (EPS or EPAS) is just a form of steering boost to reduce the amount of effort it takes to turn the wheel. The different settings should increase or decrease the steering weight. That might have an impact in steering feel and/or responsiveness, but those are typically depend far more on other factors.

 

[Seabee1973]

It shouldn't. Electric power-assisted steering (EPS or EPAS) is just a form of steering boost to reduce the amount of effort it takes to turn the wheel. The different settings should increase or decrease the steering weight. That might have an impact in steering feel and/or responsiveness, but those are typically depend far more on other factors.

That's what I thought... used to the typical hydraulic... constant firmness which I like... the Audi has a much stiffer feel but there are times that I wish the steering felt softer... let's say you messed up your hand or something or for this matter shifting....... never had a car with selectable steering

 

[OppoLock]

... never had a car with selectable steering

Never owned one with it either but I'm looking forward to it.

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