Piglet Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 Sorry for all the questions but if you don't ask etc! The steering on my MK3 Spit is really heavy, and I'm wondering if upping the tyre pressure to maybe 32psi would improve matters? Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 so what tyres are fitted what size ??? what pressure are you currently useing ?? has the steering rack been greased and the trunions oiled ??? what size is the steering wheel have you read up about the rack damper ...??? if its be de shimmed it can make the rack very stiff if you jack the car do things turn freely ??? lots of odd things can affect loads 32 is more than most would use maybe 26-28 modern tyres do need higher psi than the ols book values of the past but at 32 i think it would shake your teeth a bit Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 1 hour ago, Piglet said: Sorry for all the questions but if you don't ask etc! The steering on my MK3 Spit is really heavy, and I'm wondering if upping the tyre pressure to maybe 32psi would improve matters? Alex Heavy at low / parking speeds is normal, remember there's no power steering! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piglet Posted May 13, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 All good points! I'll check the pressures tomorrow but think it's 26 front. Steering wheel is a 'lil one! Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Costigan Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 Well, there's at least half your problem! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 Ditto to that! Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 small dia steering wheels definitely need some extra shreaded wheat how lil is lil Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliff.b Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 My Spit had a 13" steering wheel when I got it and i was running the 175 front tyres at 26psi which was hard work. I now have a 14" wheel and run the tyres at 29psi which has improved things a lot but still a good compromise for comfort & grip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badwolf Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 No problem with my lil Mountford steering wheel (13" I think), but as mentioned everything is lubed, greased, straightened etc.. 26 psi in the tyres. All a bit boring for that matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NonMember Posted May 13, 2022 Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 My GT6 is a bit heavy - 13" steering wheel, 175/70 tyres The Spitfire has the correct 15" steering wheel, 155/80 tyres at 30psi. The steering on that is nice and light, tending to moderate at parking speed. Nowhere near as light as a modern with PAS, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piglet Posted May 13, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2022 Mines a 13" too and on standard rims and rubber. Might up the pressure to 28 and see how it goes, and perhaps try 4 Weetabix in the morning... Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1969Mk3Spitfire Posted May 14, 2022 Report Share Posted May 14, 2022 32 psi front tyre pressure for a standard load is way too high and risks negatively impacting ride, handling, braking distances and wear. Look for a solution from the advice already given or increase breakfast intake to 3 Wheatabix. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted May 14, 2022 Report Share Posted May 14, 2022 every inch you loose at the handwheel rim ups the input torque if you like the a 13" stg wheel but dont like the efforts you could fit the 6 cyl rack which has a lower ratio ( identified with a small groove in the input splines ) this is the old conundrum of quick but heavy or slow and light all down to you own preference and driving style pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted May 14, 2022 Report Share Posted May 14, 2022 It also comes down to what steering wheel you can get your legs in under. I had to change the GT6 wheel to a smaller wheel, semi-dished off eBay (very nice it was too for a fiver or thereabouts) and it served very well for years but made the steering slightly heavier. It had a thick padded rim so easier on the fingers than a wooden wheel. In the Herald, with more leg room, I can keep the original wheel with just a period cover over it. You may want to experiment with different sizes of wheel and different profiles (flat, dished or semi dished) to find the best compromise of size, style and ease of steering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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