Steering Sensitivity

First, welcome to the forum!

second, a quick search will pull up lots of info on changing out the suspension on these cars (even 95's).
Since you do have a 95, if money is an object to you i would do the following:
1. make sure nothing is broken. check things like tie rod ends and sway bar links!
2.replace struts with KYB GR-2's ($70)
3. get a set of front and rear sway bars from a STS caddy.
4. get a front strut tower brace from same said car.
5. good tires. i recommend BFG traction T/A's as do many other members.

You cant get the same steering feel as a BMW, but it shouldnt handle like a boat out of water either.

Welcome! Tires can be a huge factor in your ride quality. Cheap tires really can make it feel like you are riding on 4 basketballs. I noticed a huge difference when I upgraded to a 17x8" rim with 245/45/17 tires, the wider tires with shorter sidewalls really brought handling to a new level. (stock rims are 16x6, tires 225/60/16) But make sure the basics are good first.

Otherwise, what Mr. R said above, plus you are doing the right thing by searching around this site for more info!

Enjoy the site!

...also make sure your Magnasteer is actually working. You'll find more on that through searches on this site.

And finally - what size are your current tires? I wonder if they are not 225/60-16's.


Albertj

Thanks a lot for the input! Now those STS stabilizer bars...do they have to be from a particular year? Magnasteer, eh? Yay.

droppedchevyman wrote:

Thanks a lot for the input! Now those STS stabilizer bars...do they have to be from a particular year? Magnasteer, eh? Yay.

I believe if you look for 98-2002 STS with the FE-3 suspension you'll find much larger diameter bars that definitely help. Increasing the diameter of the rear helps correct the inherent understeer the Riv has and the fronts are nice for leveling the car during turns at speed.
I've only replaced the rear so far, but after doing that one it was a very noticeable difference and now I can't wait to do the front and also increase wheel diameter and width and put on some stickier tires for much better cornering at speed.
Also, remember the stock GM bars are hollow not solid.
If you prefer solid sway bars you need to get the Addco bars, and the Addco's are slightly larger in diameter than the STS's
Also order a new front strut tower brace from an STS, that also helps stiffen things up and helps with understeer. New bar from www.monsterpartsonline.com was about $30.00 shipped. If you have a 1995 - 1997 you will have to elongated the mounting holes in the STB a little to make it fit, but it will work. On the 98 & 99 they seem to bolt right on. Look in the Write Up section regarding some slight shimming required to provide clearance to the Master cylinder.
Oh and get rid of those tires as soon as possible. these cars suspension are very particular and you will probably not notice the full benefit of any suspension mod's with those tire on it. Throw them in the dumpster.
Magnasteer is the variable assist steering on the Riv's and some other GM's. It provides full power assist during slow driving and parking maneuvers but as the speed increases to highway speed it is supposed to increase the steering effort somewhat. You can disable the system by disconnecting the two wire connector on top of the steering rack and see how you like it without the Magnasteer. It won't trip any codes or have any other adverse effect other than the steering will be firmer at all speeds including slow speed, parking etc.
I disconnected mine and prefer it that way.

I disconnected the Magnasteer today. It now feels borderline too tight, but it is still a hell of a lot better than it was. I like it a lot without the Magnasteer. Thank you, guys! (Still changing those wheels & tires, for sure...going with eighteens, 245/40R18)

I'm still trying to re-calibrate the whole Magna-Steer situation.
Don't like it the way it is. But when I'm able to modify it successfully I'll let you all know.

Rick- I have a full rack from a Riv sitting in my garage. I was hoping to tackle the soft steering but haven't gotten around to it yet. If you need any measurements/photos/etc... from it to try to fine a swap rather then re-calibrate the magnasteer, let me know...

YES, YES YES, Hell, I'd like the rack for disassy and measurements and I already have the Magna-Steer Control Unit that I'm trying to reverse engineer.
All would be helpfull.
Just need an excuse to go to Indy sometime soon.

Does anyone know of a remedy for our rack & pinion steering whereas the wheels turn right like a new car, but left is sporadic. There doesn't seem to be a pattern, sometimes it works well and others I have armstrong steering. These things are front heavy as hell! I have used "Sea Foam" for power steering let it run turned lock to lock for approx 45 mins. drained and replaced with "Lucas" it seemed to work for a while (1 day) and now it's back where I started.

When that happens, usually the rack is bad. Replace the rack, and that won't happen any more.....

Abaddon wrote:

When that happens, usually the rack is bad. Replace the rack, and that won't happen any more.....

Ouch!! Not what I wanted to hear. Any idea of the cost of this project? I am going to look for writeups on the process since I cannot find a Haynes on this vehicle.

Contact these guys:

http://moradpartscompany.com/

and ask about a rack. Odds are he has a decent one to sell/ship to you for short money. They go for at least $400 (including core) from aftermarket parts places.

Albertj