Hello all

My KE Verada is pretty sloppy in the front end. It has 150,000 kays up. The steering has little feel (not that there ever was much when it was newer). No doubt some of the bushes are worn (it was running 12mm toe in for a while due to a very dodgy alignment...).

I am aware of the whiteline kits, and would quite like to have the steering and suspension response better than new. I am sure that renewing the bushes will remove the slop, but I am also interested in better steering feel and less freeplay.

Would anyone like to suggest what can be done and where, for how much? I am located in Northern Melbourne but will travel to get a good price.

BlueJ

29 reads and no suggestions?

Oh well, off to Google I go then.

BlueJ

I am not a guru on suspension and handling but there are many here who are right into it with the second gens ie. teK-- and Madmagna... Someone will reply with useful advice soon.

Have you searched the forums using the search feature? there is a lot of information to be found.

increase steering feel and response:
- set of wider/lower profile wheels and tyres
- higher tyre pressure
- anti-lift kit from whitline will help (slightly) with steering feel

the 3rd gens generally have lots of freeplay around centre etc.... The TL and later models recieved a revised steering setup to provide better weighting and response....I still don't know exactly what changes they made (anybody?), but it might be a worthwhile upgrade from a wreckers. Otherwise talk to pedders or whiteline about harder steering rack bushes. They make them for wrx's and a couple of others cars, but they might be able to do some for magnas...

Thanks HyperTF

I have searched the forums quite a bit, there is information there but it seemed to be mostly about the Gen IIs. I thought it would be better to ask again.

Thanks Jowet

I run 36psi on the standard 215/60R16 size tyres. I'd rather hang on to those and work on the other parts of the steering. As you suggest, the suspension geometry is a good place to start.

I have read that the TL/KL/TW/KW models had 'mechanical changes' to the steering system, and that these models have more feel and more weight, and are more direct around the straight-ahead. Presumably the power steering pump assistance is less, but I have never been able to find details on exactly what was changed, nor on whether or not those changes can be retrofitted to the earlier cars like mine.

So if anyone knows....please don't keep us in the dark any longer.

I have read about the polyurethane rack bushes. Am I correct in thinking that these are the rubber bushes between the rack mounts and the body? For sure these are available for WRXs and so on, but are they available for Magnas?

What about the other sources of compliance in the steering? Presumably the tie rod end ball joints? Where else?