[twyrick]

I'm not quite sure how to describe it, but I've noticed that my 2013 Smart Cabriolet has a somewhat annoying "notchy" behavior going on with the power steering. In general, it turns smoothly and without any excessive effort.... but as you're driving straight, down a road, and you want to make little left or right adjustments to keep the car centered in the lane? It feels like there's a bit of resistance followed by it turning a little bit further than you wanted to .... sort of a "notchy" feeling. Continuing to turn further left or right is smooth after that again.

I have only owned this vehicle for 6 months or so now and it's my first Smart I've ever driven. So with things like this, I guess I'm not sure if they're "normal" for the car, or not?

Any input?

 

[Johannesl]

I’ve noticed the same on my 2013 Passion recently. I don’t feel it in my 2014 electric drive and don’t remember feeling it in the past on my 2013 either.

Best way I can think of describing it is like while driving an older car with low power steering fluid or a bad PS pump, It resists initially then finally pumps some fluid with a whine. The feeling is similar but no sounds since it’s an electric assisted steering box.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[jimvw57]

Had a fellow owner take his Smart in for that and was told it is in the rack (steering).. long story short it was not a cheap fix to replace the steering rack. it will work OK like that, just have to get used to it

 

[papermaker]

Same here......but battery was low, havent noticed since replacing it.

 

[SmoovJazzy]

I'm dealing with the same thing on my 2013 Brabus with 45,000 miles. So, the battery affects the steering?

 

[papermaker]

Electric power steering........so I guess it could, but I would think not.

 

[1983JZR3W]

I'm dealing with the same thing on my 2013 Brabus with 45,000 miles. So, the battery affects the steering?

If you are still running the original battery after five years, it's about time for a new one in my opinion. My car is coming up on 10 years and I change my battery every four years. They are not the easiest to get to on a 451, and I would rather be safe than stranded.

 

[SmoovJazzy]

If you are still running the original battery after five years, it's about time for a new one in my opinion. My car is coming up on 10 years and I change my battery every four years. They are not the easiest to get to on a 451, and I would rather be safe than stranded.

I'm not sure if it is the factory installed battery as I've only had the car for 4 months. If that car starts every time with no issues, but if that will affect the steering, then I will be changing it.

 

[1983JZR3W]

I really do not know if a low battery could effect the electric power steering or not. I think I will go over on the Evolution site and see what Kane has to say about it.

 

[1983JZR3W]

I just read everything I could find about the electric power steering on the Evilution site. There was nothing indicating a low battery could cause the notchy steering. In fact, they only showed how to trouble shoot the Roadster and 450 steering.


Also, in my other post, I spelled Evilution the normal way, but Kane spells his site with "Evil" as the first four letters.

 

[InjuredAgain]

Funky steering as described can also be the result of worn suspension components that have excessive play in them, or due to the alignment that calls for inordinate toe-in as the factory specification.

 

[SmoovJazzy]

I just read everything I could find about the electric power steering on the Evilution site. There was nothing indicating a low battery could cause the notchy steering. In fact, they only showed how to trouble shoot the Roadster and 450 steering.


Also, in my other post, I spelled Evilution the normal way, but Kane spells his site with "Evil" as the first four letters.

Thanks. Even if the battery were low, the alternator would take over while the car is running to supply the voltage needed would it not?