How stiff is 458 steering? | FerrariChat

How stiff is 458 steering?

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Roxy, Feb 15, 2021.

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  1. Roxy

    Roxy Rookie

    Feb 15, 2021
    2
    Full Name:
    Roxy Lyall
    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
     
  2. axlesofevil

    axlesofevil Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 14, 2012
    1,669
    San Diego, CA
    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?
     
  3. VelocityTexas

    VelocityTexas Formula Junior
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 21, 2019
    308
    North Texas
    Full Name:
    Bryan
    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?
     
  4. StevoA

    StevoA Rookie

    Jun 22, 2015
    43
    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!


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
     
  5. TheGaucho

    TheGaucho Karting

    Oct 21, 2020
    54
    Full Name:
    SergeFurRE
    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.
     
    jahdish and r6elmo like this.
  6. Petrolhead#32

    Petrolhead#32 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 23, 2020
    514
    NorCal
    Full Name:
    Petrolhead#32
    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.
     
  7. milanojess

    milanojess Karting

    Nov 26, 2007
    178
    sf bay area
    It’s in the lighter side for its light nose ... I cannot imagine it being “stiff”


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
     
  8. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

    May 29, 2019
    6,023
    Hopefully some place nice.
    Full Name:
    A.B
    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.

    Sent from my SM-G930F using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
    Need4Spd, r6elmo and StevoA like this.
  9. Roxy

    Roxy Rookie

    Feb 15, 2021
    2
    Full Name:
    Roxy Lyall
    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.
     
  10. Melvok

    Melvok F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 25, 2008
    14,101
    Amersfoort, The Netherlands, Europe.
    Full Name:
    Mel
    Let us know please after your first guarantee check of the steering system which you should do asap ...
     
  11. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

    May 29, 2019
    6,023
    Hopefully some place nice.
    Full Name:
    A.B
    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.

    Sent from my SM-G930F using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  12. Live2win

    Live2win Karting

    Sep 27, 2019
    177
    Pasadena MD
    Full Name:
    David perkins
    I can think turn left and the car does. Super responsive and light
     
  13. MalibuGuy

    MalibuGuy F1 Veteran

    Sep 18, 2007
    5,280
    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.
     
  14. SVR

    SVR Karting

    Feb 9, 2017
    188
    Moscow, Russia
    Steering is much stiffer if the car have spacers on front wheels. Check it too. Or just alignment, or power steering problems.
     
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  15. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 6, 2003
    24,957
    Las Vegas, NV
    Full Name:
    Ryan Alexander
    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).
     
  16. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    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.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  17. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

    May 29, 2019
    6,023
    Hopefully some place nice.
    Full Name:
    A.B
    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.
     
    VelocityTexas likes this.

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