Steering feedback on Vito Sport

[Giantvanman]

I know it's a van and I don"t expect even normal car levels of feedback but I have had a few heart stopping moments.

There is so little feedback from the steering and tyres on my Vito Sport V6, it feels like the front is floating.

I don't thinks it's the speed or how the van is set up for the corner because I have been experimenting with speeds (constant, increasing and decreasing) and amount of turn and positioning on the same bend (both directions) for several weeks now on the way to and from work.

The tyre pressures are spot on and it is the same whether the weather is warm(ish), cold, wet or dry.

Does anyone know if this is normal for the vehicle (i.e. the steering set up) or is the down to the standard Conti Vanco tyres?

 

[Marku]

Doesn't the sport come with wide alloys? Any way I always found the Vito we had, on standard tyres, OK. The Viano which is on 225 55 R17 has a good positive feel even if a quite hard ride. Shouldn't be getting what you describe. Standard Vanco tyres run at 55psi when I had the Vianos tyres replaced at Kwikfit they inflated them to 55psi because that is what their chart said. That was a peculiar ride as I run them at 38psi which after experimenting gives the best wear. Definitely needs investigating - not got a few concrete blocks in the back?

 

[Giantvanman]

Thanks Marku.
Yes, I am running the same wide alloys. I know it sounds daft (and it is) but I deliberately don't try and remember the tyre pressures so that I have to refer to the labels I have stuck in strategic places. Long story.
We used to have a calibrated tyre gauge tester at work but that went by the wayside. They are on 39/39 as per book and current gauge at the moment. Time to try another gauge because there are no concrete blocks in the back!

 

[BTB 500]

Hmm our 120 has always handled very nicely on the factory Contis (I'm on the 3rd set now), same wheels I think. Maybe get the geometry checked on yours?

 

[sherco450]

HI there l think your need a wheel alignment tech.. someone who works on decent sports or track cars.. from factory they handle well regardless of wheel size , only a little floaty if they have not been lowered. Lowered with wide wheels not far of any decent quality sedan. imo

 

[Giantvanman]

I know it's a van and I don"t expect even normal car levels of feedback but I have had a few heart stopping moments.

There is so little feedback from the steering and tyres on my Vito Sport V6, it feels like the front is floating.

I don't thinks it's the speed or how the van is set up for the corner because I have been experimenting with speeds (constant, increasing and decreasing) and amount of turn and positioning on the same bend (both directions) for several weeks now on the way to and from work.

The tyre pressures are spot on and it is the same whether the weather is warm(ish), cold, wet or dry.

Does anyone know if this is normal for the vehicle (i.e. the steering set up) or is the down to the standard Conti Vanco tyres?

SOLVED: As it turns out, my digital gauge (Michelin) is 9psi out and my pencil gauge (Halfords) is reading 7psi out. The one in my wife's car is only 3psi out

Solution- binned them all and have ordered new ones; problem solved :bannana: