My 5 month old 13,000 mile Octy2 105 PD has slightly "sticky" steering. If I turn the wheel slightly off centre the car will continue to turn in that direction. I find motorway driving involves continuous steering corrections, as there appears to be poor self centering. The car hasnt been kerbed and hasnt had any impact on wheels so no damage caused by me. Is this normal for this model ? Could the tracking be out ? What is the setting for toe in/out as I could check this. Any other ideas ?

The steering 'behavour' of my OctyII is exactly the opposite to the one you describe. It keeps a rock-solid straight track on the motorway, even compensating itself for the road camber. Really impressive and most enjoyable.

Another brilliant feature is the way the car straightens after a sharp turn. It steadies itself in the straight-on position as soon as you let the steering wheel slip through your hands.

I suggest you take it back to the dealer and demand an inspection/correction

I've found my steering very slightly slow to respond TBH on occasions. Nothing to worry about but it doesn't exactly inspire confidence. I think this is a trait of electric power steering systems. They don't give the same feel as traditional power steering.

I'm finding the steering one of the major delights of the 2.0FSI. Combined with the general handling and comfort, it seems to be much more the reason for a quick enjoyable trip than anything to do with the engine power, although that is also is very nice!

Feels like one of those 50/50 front/rear balance set-ups the motoring journalists always go on about, even though it probably isn't 50/50.

And it compensates for crosswinds; now thats clever that is

My 5 month old 13,000 mile Octy2 105 PD has slightly "sticky" steering. If I turn the wheel slightly off centre the car will continue to turn in that direction. I find motorway driving involves continuous steering corrections, as there appears to be poor self centering. The car hasnt been kerbed and hasnt had any impact on wheels so no damage caused by me. Is this normal for this model ? Could the tracking be out ? What is the setting for toe in/out as I could check this. Any other ideas ?

I have the same thing on my Octy 2 sport and also had it on my Octy 2 Elegance.

I did a post regarding this a while back and nobody else seemed to be suffering with this problem. I had the Elegance checked twice by the dealer and nothing was found. Im sorry to hear you have this problem but in a way im glad you have because it proves im not going mad.

It must be a trait of the Octy 2, I was hoping when i picked up my new one it woundnt be there but i noticed it within five minutes of driving it:mad:

Its an anoying problem that just makes motorway driving tiresome. Let us know if you find a cure.

Looks like we are in the same situation then Chris. I origionally posted the thread in ask a tech as I wanted to know the toe in/out setting. However it was moved for some reason ( may be that I misunderstood how to use the site) Will certainly let you know if anything transpires from my investigation.

Sounds like a case for rejection - they just shouldn't do that.

Hi,

I do not know if this will help but I had the same problem on my Octy1.

It turned out to be the tires.

After I change them I had no problems.

Hi' date='

I do not know if this will help but I had the same problem on my Octy1.

It turned out to be the tires.

After I change them I had no problems.[/quote']

I think part of the reason for the lack of feel in my steering is the tyres too. I have to put a bit more pressure in than that recommended for 1-3 passengers (even though it's mainly just me in the car) to get some feel back and stop the front tyres from looking like they are going flat. It's probably down to the rubbish Bridgestones that came with the car.

Thanks for the input but have already been down that route. I tried various pressure increases up to 40psi all to no avail. Looks as if I will have to wait until first service as I need the car daily.

It must ride like a lead brick, plus being a bit iffy in wet weather.

Just a thought to toss around has anyone had the steering pre load checked to see if it has been set to tight at the factory.

I had this problem on my old Citroen, dealerships rarely know how to repair things these days and it took two complete rack changes before the problem was solved.

Either way this is a problem that needs to be sorted as it is potentially dangerous.

I have to say my limited dealings with Skoda UK customer service department does not inspire me with their abilities when approached on technical questions and many of the industry dealerships are to be found wanting when it comes to resolving technical problems.

Your problem sounds similar to one on my 1.9 TDi. The steering seems "vague", & I have to concentrate on it all the time as the car seems prone to wandering off line and does not accurately self center.

The other day, I noticed that the inside edges of both front tyre were quite badly worn. I had the tracking checked and adjusted - i was told that it was "a fair bit out". There has been an improvement but the steering still does not feel "right". I think that the tracking miss-alignment may be a recent problem as I am still on the original set of tyres - I would have expected them to have worn out much more quickly had the tracking beeen out from new.

I wonder if this is a problem that can be fixed or is it an inherant:confused: problem with the car?

Regards

Could the inside wear on your tyres now be affecting the steering even though it's been reset?

On a brand new Rover [please don't laugh] I had trouble with the steering column - they replaced the whole thing - but that made the steering feel like it was wandering because it was erratic in its self centering.

I'm sad to read I'm not the only one with this problem! :-(

It means nothing's wrong with my driving capabilities.

I have the same problem when using the factory fitted Continental EcoContact summer tires or the Kleber winter tires I bought. I was reading about the new self centering and re-centering features of Octy II and I was wondering: Why's that I cannot feel any of them???

Even the tester guy in the best hungarian TV car show (Totalcar) said the OII has an "artifical" straight steering wheel position what is achived by intentional lack of power boost in center steering wheel position and how disturbing this feature is - for him. I cannot forget his words since then, although my car was not even produced at that time.

I cannot feel this feature.

When drivig on highways I'v got a feeling I must keep on correcting the wheel to keep in straight direction. It's very tiring! And the car is also sensitive of side-wind!

When in city and I manage to find THE straight direction, the car remains in it, no pulling to left or right. That's why I cannot understand this phenomenon.

Any of You, guys have had the car checked in a garage yet?

Any solution? Service Bulletin from Skoda or any information on this issue?

I checked my car and found the wheel alignment to be very toe in. I cant find out the proper set up so took a guess and set it for parrallel tracking. Steering is a lot better but still not as good as I would expect it to be.