How stiff is 458 steering?

Hi lad and ladies
I just exchanged my Cali T with a 458 Italia and the first thing I notice is the steering is much stiffer and it is much harder to drive.
It is a lot of fun car yes - but in town I can't help noticing that it is actually tiring driving it as compared to a Cali T.
Anyone who has the experience of driving them both. could you please shed a light on how actually "stiffer" the steering should be or if my car is extra stiff. I am not sure if there is a way to find out/gauge this?
Thank you in advance.
Roxy xx

 

I've not driven a Cali T but I don't find my 458 steering that "stiff". Does it get easier as you drive faster?

 

I find the steering effort not much different from my Silverado truck. Take it to a shop and ask them to drive it. Did you have a PPI before you purchased?

 

I went from a 911 into my 458 and find the steering lighter. I daily a Macan GTS and the 458 steering is as light as the Macans. I’d suggest you get a specialist to have a quick look to give you peace of mind. All the best with it and hope you enjoy the car!


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If anything, the steering on the 458 is too light. It takes no effort at all to turn the wheel. In fact, if you sneeze you might find yourself making an unplanned 90 degree turn. Don't get me wrong. The steering is very, very precise, but its too sensitive for my needs doing canyon carving. It's like using a surgeon's scalpel to cut salami. With just the slightest amount of pressure, you'll find yourself cutting through the salami, the cutting board, and into your countertop. Personally, I'd prefer a bit more resistance in the steering. Just my two cents worth.

 

agreed. Everyone notices that. Compared to a GT3 it’s a walk in the park. I like it that way as it fits it’s more GT character.

 

It’s in the lighter side for its light nose ... I cannot imagine it being “stiff”


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Get your alignment checked. The steering should be lighter, not heavier. Too much toe will make the steering heavy.

If that does not help, there might be an issue with the car. The 458 is known for its somewhat light and fast steering, it should definitely not be stiff and heavy.

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Thank you everyone. I just bought it from Ferrari authorised dealer in the UK which comes with a two years warranty so getting it checked wouldn’t be a problem. It is definitely heavier than the Cali T.

 

Let us know please after your first guarantee check of the steering system which you should do asap ...

 

If they come back and say nothing is wrong, I suggest that you first get it aligned by an indy sho (cheap and easy), and if the issue persist, take it to another uk dealer for a second opinion.

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I can think turn left and the car does. Super responsive and light

 

The steering in a 58 is not considered to be stiff, that is if it is working properly.

Compared to my F8 spider, the 58 is actually a little more responsive and nimble.

I don't recall that the 58 was significantly more stiff than my 360 or California either.

Perhaps have your 58 checked out by a seasoned Ferrari technician.

 

Steering is much stiffer if the car have spacers on front wheels. Check it too. Or just alignment, or power steering problems.

 

My bet is old tires. If you have a fresh set of Michelins and they bleed the power steering back up to pressure it should be wonderful. Perhaps a smidge heavier than the California T (which to me had more power steering boost).

 

I think you almost certainly have a problem with you steering. My 458 has effortless steering, able to easily do a u turn with just one finger. Definitely go get your 458 looked at.


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Old tyres will have the opposite effect. They get hard and don't grip, thus steering gets even lighter.

But seems like we have lost the OP.