Versa Steering

4097 Views 13 Replies 5 Participants Last post by kates422, Aug 17, 2011

kates422

Discussion Starter · Aug 12, 2011

Hi -

I have a question on how the Versa should feel in regards to the steering wheel. I've always been able to feel the steering wheel (vibrations? the wheel itself isn't moving, i just feel it). I notice especially going 50 and above on the freeway.

I thought it may have been my tires. But I put on new tires last week, and I still can feel it, if not more. Is it the texture of the road?

Is this normal? Is it the engine I'm feeling? Or could something be off balance?

I am new to the small car world - so let me know if it just goes with the territory.

Thanks!!

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bigdaddychia

· #2 · Aug 14, 2011

Its normal.

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kates422

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 14, 2011

Great! Thank you!!

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Underscore_Hero

· #4 · Aug 14, 2011

it should be in relation to the road. On smooth road, you should'nt feel much even at high speed, maybe near 80 or so...but not much at 60. Road surface does effect the steering feel heavily, in Hawaii, our main Freeway has those rain gaps for draining, and when you're driving about 60, it's kind of rough. I think it's because the car is fairly light, and the steering isn't as "heavy" as a european.

Are you using aftermarket wheels? suspension? low pro tires?

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kates422

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 14, 2011

No aftermarket. The main freeway I drive on seems to have rougher pavement (i think it has something to do with materials they used that works better for winter conditions). Other times on different freeways I can still feel it - but not to the extent.

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08versailles

· #6 · Aug 14, 2011

kates422 said:
I have a question on how the Versa should feel in regards to the steering wheel. I've always been able to feel the steering wheel (vibrations?

Do you mean feeling changes in steering direction or changes in the road surface transmitting through the steering wheel?
I think your question was kinda answered already, but i had to ask

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kates422

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 14, 2011

Road surface transmitting through the steering wheel. I don't think I've ever noticed anything in the direction.

I wasn't sure if I should be feeling anything, or if what I was feeling was the surface or engine.

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08versailles

· #8 · Aug 14, 2011

I totally hear ya on the small car/big car experience. My wife's Altima has noticably less road and engine noise. Nicer car, more sound deadening, engine revs lower etc

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kates422

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 16, 2011

Ok - so today I was on a smooth part of the freeway, and the steering was really rough. I wish I knew better how to explain it. It was very windy so I don't know if that factors in. But I'm starting to think something is wrong, but I have no clue what!

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08versailles

· #10 · Aug 17, 2011

The blowing wind definitely factors into the handling, especially if you are used to a heavier car. My V blows around a bit over the local Skyway Bridge, but not as bad as my 89 Tercel did lol! At least my tercel had manual steering, and you could feel the steering response much better, especially when tricked out with upgraded massive 175-70-13 tires LOL. So yes, the slightly taller Versa does catch the wind and move you around a bit. Shouldn't be too crazy though. If it's unsafe, get it professionally looked at for your peace of mind! Hope this helps. 08v

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kates422

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 17, 2011

Thanks, 08v! The wind does blow the V a bit I've noticed.

I'm more questioning the "steering feel" I think it's called. I feel A LOT of transmitting while I'm driving. I think the road factors in - but I noticed it very much on a smooth surface today. I do expect there to be some, but should it be as noticeable as I'm finding it to be? It's pretty constant, but the steering wheel itself does not move.

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BluV3R18

· #12 · Aug 17, 2011 (Edited)

kates422 said:
Thanks, 08v! The wind does blow the V a bit I've noticed.

I'm more questioning the "steering feel" I think it's called. I feel A LOT of transmitting while I'm driving. I think the road factors in - but I noticed it very much on a smooth surface today. I do expect there to be some, but should it be as noticeable as I'm finding it to be? It's pretty constant, but the steering wheel itself does not move.

I never paid attention to road feeling on the steering wheel after reading this post...so today I did notice I can feel the road thru the steering wheel.
the steering wheel doesn't move, but you feel the road.

Today as I was getting close to my exit, I put the tranny in Neutral, and the feeling didn't change, it was there so it has to be the road.
I think all small cars do that, some more than others, my 1997 2.2 subaru legacy was worst, especially because it was falling apart :thumb2: I think you can feel it more with sport suspension

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BluV3R18

· #13 · Aug 17, 2011 (Edited)

08versailles said:
the slightly taller Versa does catch the wind and move you around a bit. Shouldn't be too crazy though. If it's unsafe, get it professionally looked at for your peace of mind! Hope this helps. 08v

too much wind can be dangerous, so at first I was lil worried driving close to 18 wheelers and bigger trunks, but now I feel more comfortable passing trucks or..driving on stormy windy weather so as long as is not a tornado, everything is going to be alright :biggrinjester: now if there's a lot of water or snow, you reallyhave to be careful no matter what you drive

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kates422

Discussion Starter · #14 · Aug 17, 2011

Thank you, bluv! I was thinking I might be crazy. I appreciate your test drive and other information.

The first time I drove the V when it was windy, I thought I was going to fly away. Haha! It really wasn't that bad, just took me by surprise!

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