'Heavy' steering on C180

[frog1520]

Hi all,

Daft question time! I've always thought the steering on my C180 was
nice and light - I'm lazy and quite often only steer with one hand!

Then I've been driving round a W140 for the last few weeks, on
which the steering seems even lighter, which is great.

Problem is, when I got back into the C180, the steering seemed
incredibly heavy!! I'm sure its just perception after driving the other one
but should there really be such a difference between them? Do they
use different systems or something? I even checked the power steering
fluid to make sure it was OK!

Any input gratefully received!!

Cheers,
Karl

 

[Andy W]

Check your tyre pressures first, makes a huge difference, secondly from stationary on tick over turn your sterring wheel then apply some revs and turn your steering wheel again, is it now lighter, could be the power steering pump or even break down of the fluid, or like on my Fiat van a partially blocked filter gauze.

 

[frog1520]

Heavy steering

Hi Andy - thanks for your reply!

I checked the tyre pressures when I first noticed it, and they were OK.
Just tried what you suggested about turning the wheel, then giving it some
revs; and that didnt seem to make any difference.

I'm thinking its probably always been that way, and its just my
perception thats changed....

Cheers,
Karl

 

[Andy W]

The steeringon my C180 is very light, particular compared to the power steering on my van, can you turn your steering wheel effortless with one finger ?

 

[guydewdney]

the w140 steering is incredibly light - you can use the inertia of the steering wheel to go virtually from lock to lock.

prob just your perception...

 

[sym]

Try driving a car without power steering for a day . . . your steering will then feel lighter than ever before !!

Personally, I think that when the steering is soooo light, it can have the tendency to take some of the pleasure out of actually driving the car - as well as all important feedback to the driver !

Mine's just about right . . . ,I think, - but agree that tyre pressures can make a helluva difference.

S,