Fulvia 1600HF Heavy Steering

[MartynT]

Hi All,

So firstly I’m now the proud owner of a S2 1600HF Coupe which I picked up a couple of days ago and so far absolutely loving it! I will have lots of questions for fellow owners but my first is relating to the steering. The steering is firstly very heavy which may be the norm (?) and secondly feels quite “notchy” at very low speeds. Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Martyn.

[JollyClubUK]

Welcome to the Lancia Fulvia world.
Has it got the correct size tyres on if it’s a S2 they should be 175/14 H rated.

[nistri]

Furthermore, is there any oil in the steering box and grease in the idler box? If the tyres (even of the correct size) are old, they become hard like stones.

[MartynT]

Thanks folks, I'll check this tomorrow.

[JollyClubUK]

Tyres really do make a difference, 1 run 175/65/14 on 6x14 Cromodoras.

[lancialulu]

Also if the car has not had much use, the central track rod between the steering box and 5he idler box could be stiff/ seized.

[lancialulu]

Also if the car has not had much use, the central track rod between the steering box and 5he idler box could be stiff/ seized.

but that said all Fulvia owners complain these days about heavy steering at parking speeds and this is exacerbated in the 1600hf quicker (c30%) steering box. Steering should be light and precise at above 20 mph but it does weight up when cornering at speed

[nistri]

Having just fitted two sets of Michelin XAS 165/14 to two of my coupe (and checked the tracking), it is amazing how sweet the steering has become.

[MartynT]

Hi folks, tyres look new and are  185/70/14?

[JollyClubUK]

Hi folks, tyres look new and are  185/70/14?

Correct tyres should be 175/14 Michelin XAS however at lot of Fulvias run the 185/70 tyres.
I prefer 175/6514 on my Fulvia.

[nistri]

All tyres carry the date of manufacture to decide if they are new or old.

[davidwheeler]

If you have only driven modern cars before, with power steering, you will find the Fulvia heavy.    It is FWD after all and, despite the very low ratio steering box is still comparatively heavy especially at low speeds.     That is why I refer my Aprilia with its high ratio box, narrower tyres and RWD to my Fulvia Sport.

[OldSparky]

Still getting used to my RHD S1 - got last month and driven 3 times.  Steering is heavy at low speeds (as is my mini's) but I wonder about play at standstill - seems a lot.  Driving no issue.  I assume lubricant levels first thing to look at?

Oh can anyone help - tried to lubricate wiper spindle and did it so well that it slid inside the car.  Will leave nut on other.  Any ideas how to get it poking out again. Fingers crossed easy.

[neil-yaj396]

Still getting used to my RHD S1 - got last month and driven 3 times.  Steering is heavy at low speeds (as is my mini's) but I wonder about play at standstill - seems a lot.  Driving no issue.  I assume lubricant levels first thing to look at?

Oh can anyone help - tried to lubricate wiper spindle and did it so well that it slid inside the car.  Will leave nut on other.  Any ideas how to get it poking out again. Fingers crossed easy.

Is your car the nice gray D reg S1?

[lancialulu]

Still getting used to my RHD S1 - got last month and driven 3 times.  Steering is heavy at low speeds (as is my mini's) but I wonder about play at standstill - seems a lot.  Driving no issue.  I assume lubricant levels first thing to look at?

Oh can anyone help - tried to lubricate wiper spindle and did it so well that it slid inside the car.  Will leave nut on other.  Any ideas how to get it poking out again. Fingers crossed easy.

Should be no/minimal play straight ahead but about 4cm expected off centre due to steering box design. Old tyre contribute to heavy steering. Important to ensure there is oil (spec 90ep but 109 can be used if leaking). You may need to take the cabin air inlet box off to get to dropped wiper spindle....