First Drive Out of Neighborhood--Questions and Impressions

[john g]

My 818 has been registered for about six weeks, but because of work and travel, I only drove it out of the neighborhood yesterday. In general, the car runs very well, and up to 40 miles an hour, feels glued to the road. A few questions:

1. The brakes were dragging when I reached the gas station, about 2.5 miles from home. I had not noticed this before when driving around the block, so distance may be an issue. However, I have recently (i) moved the brake actuator rod from the factory position up 0.5 inches per FFR instructions; and (ii) installed new front rotors and pads. I have about 1/2 inch of free play in the brake pedal, so I don't think that pedal adjustment is a factor. EDIT: All four wheels are tight.

2. The steering does not self center. Is this a problem and if so, what is the solution?

3. I have not found instructions in the manual on how to install the two pieces of aluminum that close off the top of the engine compartment. There are pictures in the manual showing the "L" shaped piece that connects to the upper frame structure/firewall and an humped shaped piece that sits vertically and blocks off the forward engine cover. The picture shows rubber gaskets that surround the roll bar supports and I think aluminum pieces that close off the humps where they pass through the roll bar. Any ideas?

John

Follow up

1. Brakes are now working properly. It turns out that I damaged a retaining clip at the rear of the master cylinder when I was moving the brake actuating rod pivot point from the Subaru to the FFR position. I had drilled the hole when I prepared parts (per manual) but forgot to use when I initially set up the car. It turns out that I drilled the hole at an angle and with no clearance for any adjustment so that the rod hit the retaining ring. Redrilling the hole and replacing the master cylinder did the trick.

2. The steering remains stiff, but seems to be improving. I have three new tie rod ends and new ball joints, so I am hoping it will continue to improve. If not, I will need to find more adjustment room to increase caster. I have no more room on the upper A arm without cutting bolts.

Thanks again for your support and suggestions

John

[thall818]

#2) I would say your either out of alignment (Caster most likely incorrect), or your steering rack is binding somehow. Most likely just an alignment issue.

Travis

[billjr212]

Congrats. Very exciting. I think I'm about to cross the 600 mile mark on mine and heading for my first HPDE day this Saturday. It is a blast to drive.

1. All 4 brakes, or specific ones? If all 4, could the push rod be at a weird angle and hanging up? Just the back - is the parking brake adjusted right? Just a specific corner - maybe a pad got twisted a bit and isn't sliding back with the piston properly?
2. I have the same issue. There is another thread on just this, but consensus seems to be what Travis mentioned - need more Caster. I've gotten used to it on the street, but I imagine I'll be cursing it this Saturday.
3. Take a look at the picture in Appendix B of the manual. I assume you are referring to parts 13 and 39 (at least that's what they are in version 1J). The piece with the lip on it sits on top of the frame rails above the engine. It does not attach to the firewall, only to the frame, and the lip should be towards the back of the car facing up. I riveted it in place, others have used rivnuts. The humped shaped piece rivets/rivnuts to the lip of the first piece, but only AFTER you install the first piece to the frame. You cannot pre-assemble them and then install both. I put a piece of bulb seal across the top after installing to fit up against the body. I went over the top of the roll bar braces with the bulb seal (notched the seal) so it makes continuous contact instead of trying to smash it in under the roll bar brace.

[DodgyTim]

#2 the thread is http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18134-Self-Centering-Steering-Question&highlight=centering+steering
Cheers

[metros]

I'm astonished by the fact you had it registered that long prior to taking it for a spin.

If you go to any events in NoVa let me know. I'd love to beg you for a ride in person.

[shinn497]

omg your in silver spring? Hang out with me.

[Hendow]

Hi John,

Congrats on passing the registration hurdle.

I had an issue with the lack of self centering on the steering, leading to the creation of the thread that Tim refers to. I tried all of the suggestions from that thread, which eventually solved the problem. I agree with Travis, and in my experience, it is a combination of both factors.

In my case, I had several 'binding' issues with my steering, including a semi de-powered rack complete with some fluid and seals intact causing a hydraulic resistance, potentially some grinding in the rack itself, and some very stiff tie rod end ball joints. I replaced the rack with a fully de-powered ( and 'de-pistoned') item, replaced the tie rod end ball joints and the lower control arm ball joints, which lightened my steering substantially. I then wound in 10 degrees of positive caster and voila, steering that self centers, to the satisfaction of my local Dept of Transport inspectors.

I hope this helps with troubleshooting your steering.

Cheers,

Wayne