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How to improve steering feel

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  • Author
On 26/10/2022 at 13:52, Frankenfurter said:

 

Yeah man! It's Julian Doyle: https://www.facebook.com/doylejul 

 

Hit him up on messenger or if you don't have facebook let me know and I'll PM you his number. Tell him Mark sent you.

 

@Frankenfurter thanks for Julian's details. He was kind enough to help me with the DCC mod + A3 steering rack map. My original problem with the light steering has been fixed with the rack map. Also managed to get some Superpro lower control arm bushes to increase castor, so will give them a try soon too.

 

He mentioned you had some fitment issues with your downpipe too (mine has been making all kinds of weird rattles). How did you end up sorting that out?

 

8 minutes ago, CRB123 said:

 

@Frankenfurter thanks for Julian's details. He was kind enough to help me with the DCC mod + A3 steering rack map. My original problem with the light steering has been fixed with the rack map. Also managed to get some Superpro lower control arm bushes to increase castor, so will give them a try soon too.

 

He mentioned you had some fitment issues with your downpipe too (mine has been making all kinds of weird rattles). How did you end up sorting that out?

 


hey that’s great you got all that stuff sorted! Such a great set of upgrades!

 

I’ve not done a downpipe on mine yet but if yours is rattling I suggest getting it on a hoist and having a mechanic rev it while they check under. It’s common that exhaust parts are a bit off as the mqb platform has lots of little variations and the mounts on the engine and exhaust all shift over time.

 

You might need to ditch some heat shielding or fix an exhaust hanger angle.

  • Author
23 hours ago, Frankenfurter said:


hey that’s great you got all that stuff sorted! Such a great set of upgrades!

 

I’ve not done a downpipe on mine yet but if yours is rattling I suggest getting it on a hoist and having a mechanic rev it while they check under. It’s common that exhaust parts are a bit off as the mqb platform has lots of little variations and the mounts on the engine and exhaust all shift over time.

 

You might need to ditch some heat shielding or fix an exhaust hanger angle.

 

Ah right, possibly was someone else then.

 

Yeah it's not my first rodeo with noisy downpipes and have managed to fix 90% of the issues by trimming one of the exhaust hangers

  • 9 months later...

Has anyone tried these bushes as a way to improve handling and steering feel? 
 

They claim to be completely devoid (ahem) of voids, so are firmer for better feel. They also claim that even the tts bushes still have some material removed (although these are still stiffer than stock).

 

I’m apprehensive about polybushing as it’s a daily.

I don't know about these bushes. I would start asking what kind of tires size and reference do you have.

In my case, I simply chose new tires with firmer sidewalls (though already with 19" tires). I went from Pirelli P7 Cinturato to Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and this was already night a day about the feedbakc in the steering wheel. Since that time, I can really better "read" the road and my steering is much sharper.

 

But maybe you've already 19" 'sport tires' with stiff sidewalls? 🤔

4 hours ago, rcblur69 said:

Has anyone tried these bushes as a way to improve handling and steering feel? 
 

They claim to be completely devoid (ahem) of voids, so are firmer for better feel. They also claim that even the tts bushes still have some material removed (although these are still stiffer than stock).

 

I’m apprehensive about polybushing as it’s a daily.

 

First, I suggest you try Bilstein B6 shock absorbers. Many Superb MK3 owners have said that they transform the handling by getting rid of that woolly feel.

 

Edited by Carlston

Thanks for the input. It’s true that my current front tires aren’t the best (not put on by me), when I’ve had some more wear out of them, I’ll be sure to replace with something much better.

 

I’ve read plenty about shocks and would be interested in the Koni SA when the time comes. This is a family car as well as my play thing so B6s are going to be too much from what I’ve heard.

 

I know people have used the superpro bushes and report good things. Just nervous of polybushes for NVH and those I linked seem like a good compromise.

Edited by rcblur69
Typo

  • 2 years later...

Hello everyone,

I'm reaching out to the community for some specialized guidance on modifying the steering assistance maps on my VW Golf VII.

I have a physical condition/disability that significantly reduces my arm strength, making the standard steering feel on my car, even in Comfort mode, quite heavy and tiring to manage, especially during low-speed maneuvers and parking.

I've read through this thread and was particularly interested in the experience shared by @Frankenfurter about changing the steering rack parameters using VCP/ODIS to alter the steering assistance levels. This seems like it could be a life-changing modification for me.

My vehicle has a steering rack with part number 3Q0909144K (hardware 3Q0909144H, EPS_MQB_ZFELS system). My goal is to achieve an ultra-light steering feel, making it significantly softer than the factory Comfort mode. I would like it to be a permanent setting (not dependent on the driving profile) to ensure consistent and predictable assistance at all times.

Based on my research, I understand the process would be:

  1. Use VCP to read the current parameterization file from my steering rack.

  2. Find a suitable parameter set (SGO file) from a lighter MQB vehicle (like an A3 or Octavia) that has a similar rack and provides a "softer" steering map.

  3. Flash this new parameterization using VCP and perform the necessary calibrations (G85, end stops).

My specific questions for those who have done this:

  1. Compatibility: Has anyone successfully loaded a "softer" map onto a 3Q0909144K/H rack? Are there any known issues or specific firmware versions to avoid?

  2. Source of maps: Which vehicle maps (Audi A3, Octavia, etc.) and what "level" numbers would be the best starting point for achieving maximum lightness? From what I understand, lower numbers mean less assistance, so would a higher number provide more assistance (softer)?

  3. Procedure: Is the workflow I described (read -> find matching SGO -> flash -> calibrate) correct for my hardware? Are there any specific security access codes or special steps needed for the 3Q0 rack?

  4. Risks: What are the main risks involved in this process (beyond the usual flashing risks)? Could this cause any errors in other systems like ESC or ACC?

I have access to VCP and a compatible interface. I'm comfortable with the technical process but want to ensure I have all the correct information before proceeding, as this is a critical accessibility modification for me.

Any advice, experiences, or pointers to reliable sources of parameter files would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your time and understanding.

Edited by Waipe

4 hours ago, Waipe said:

...I have a physical condition/disability that significantly reduces my arm strength, making the standard steering feel on my car, even in Comfort mode, quite heavy and tiring to manage, especially during low-speed manoeuvers and parking...

Narrower tyres would help lighten the steering especially if the car is currently fitted with the wide 235/45R18 or 235/40R19.

The contact patch of 215/60R16 is slightly narrower than 215/55R17, due to the higher aspect ratio. However, 205/65R16 would be even better than 215/60R16. 205/65R16 would fit on the standard 6.5Jx16 ET41 rims.

205/65R16 has the same 95(690kg) load index as 215/60R16, so there's no problem with the tyre supporting the full axle loads of the car.

Michelin Primacy 5 205/65R16 95W (Euro label C A 70dB) (Example tyre, not a recommendation)

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/tyre/Michelin/Primacy-5/205-65-R16-95W-EV-Suitable/D-139307

Edited by Carlston

5 hours ago, Carlston said:

Narrower tyres would help lighten the steering especially if the car is currently fitted with the wide 235/45R18 or 235/40R19.

The contact patch of 215/60R16 is slightly narrower than 215/55R17, due to the higher aspect ratio. However, 205/65R16 would be even better than 215/60R16. 205/65R16 would fit on the standard 6.5Jx16 ET41 rims.

205/65R16 has the same 95(690kg) load index as 215/60R16, so there's no problem with the tyre supporting the full axle loads of the car.

Michelin Primacy 5 205/65R16 95W (Euro label C A 70dB) (Example tyre, not a recommendation)

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/tyre/Michelin/Primacy-5/205-65-R16-95W-EV-Suitable/D-139307

I have 245/35/19 tires, but it's not a tire issue, it's due to my reduced mobility.

@Waipe Welcome. So it is not to improve STEERING FEEL you are after, but just more Steering Assistance. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I am surprised that nobody seems to be aware that the steering can be reset. As in plenty threads in Briskoda for many a past year. Even AI has picked up on it. The Steering Assist can be increased. It is a disability setting that is often carried out for cars leased through Motability. Just needs plugged in. Plenty Motability cars go to Auction and are not reset to Factory Settings. I liked my Fiat Punto with the 'Girly Button', or as it was the 'City Button'. Also my Corsa Electric which in ECO mode had the steering go very light at slow speeds. Back in the day the way to lighten steering for those with disabilities was narrower tyres and a bigger steering wheel. As to Steering Assist Settings, there is also Brake Assist that can be increased. Also the XDS / XDS+, e-diff. What many do during winter with Snow / Winter tyres on is 'Reduce the assisted steering'.

Screenshot 2026-06-17 06.58.11.jpg

Screenshot 2026-06-17 07.06.46.png

Screenshot 2026-06-17 07.16.42.png

Edited by Evolution13

Just seen this thread but as per the post above I'm pretty certain that the steering weight can be set using a ELM327 dongle and Carista or Car Scanner app as it was an option present when I changed some settings on my Kodiaq

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