First impressions with the Servotronic 628 removed.....
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Joined: Feb 2003
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First impressions with the Servotronic 628 removed.....
It took a couple of min to figure out how to take the dash apart, but once I got it it was a very easy process. (Side note....LOVE the way the car is made. Much better than anything else I've seen) Took the dash off in about 5 min, popped off the unit, put the dash back on and went for a ride.
At the end of my driveway I had to turn and was like ohhh sh*t no more power steering. Then I started to drive faster and it was ok. At first I was really turned off because it was so hard to turn at low speeds, but then I slowly started get used to it. I took it throught some twisty roads and it felt great, but I didn't really notice any better feel in the steering, just firmer. I am still trying to figure out if I like it or to put it back, but I think it will go back because I don't feel any improvement in the steering at higher speeds. I will give it a couple of days to get used to the steering and then I'll see.
Let me know if anyone else has tried this with a 2003, because the older ones are not the same for comparison, and what you think.
At the end of my driveway I had to turn and was like ohhh sh*t no more power steering. Then I started to drive faster and it was ok. At first I was really turned off because it was so hard to turn at low speeds, but then I slowly started get used to it. I took it throught some twisty roads and it felt great, but I didn't really notice any better feel in the steering, just firmer. I am still trying to figure out if I like it or to put it back, but I think it will go back because I don't feel any improvement in the steering at higher speeds. I will give it a couple of days to get used to the steering and then I'll see.
Let me know if anyone else has tried this with a 2003, because the older ones are not the same for comparison, and what you think.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
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definitely keep us posted....
I find I'm putting in alot more steering input on wide highway turns compared to my former car (1996 probe gt), but I like the boost in the parking lot. Maybe I need to get used to itmore.
New Member
Joined: Apr 2003
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Re: First impressions with the Servotronic 628 removed.....
I just removed it on my 2003 ar and noticed the same as you, really heavy steering. After a few days I am starting to like it more and more. I had some problems getting the dash out. It would come out above the pedals but it never really came out from the top. I was just able to squeeze in and pull the relay. Now theoretically there should be more low-end power too since the power steering pump doesn't need to add the boost at low speeds, right?
New Member
Joined: Mar 2003
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Re: First impressions with the Servotronic 628 removed.....
I don't know, that is exactly what my 2001 2.7T feels like after I pulled the 605. It took me the better part of a week to get used to it, but it is OK now. I also do not notice any increase in steering feel, so I'm undecided as to leaving it out or not.
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For those with Tiptronic...
I have a mod available to disable the power steering relay when the shifter is in Tip mode. This gives you the boost you need at low speeds and daily driving, but 'tightens up' the steering when you want to get sporty. E-mail me if you're interested...
Bill
Bill
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AudiWorld Senior Member
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I think the stiffness makes the steering wheel actually feel attached now.
I've kept my relay out, and I dont even notice the stiffness anymore. IMO, the stiffness makes the steering wheel feel like its actually connected to the front wheels. I've had both the 605, and the 628, and both of them felt to loose and detached.
AudiWorld Senior Member
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Give it at least a week. The heavy feel will disappear.
Also, take a few S curves with the relay removed. I always found that I oversteered with the relay in place. With the relay out, the oversteer problem is gone.