Heavy Steering

[OffGreenFX]

Hi people,

After some advice. I've had a Model Y for a few months now. Since new I've noticed it's steering does feel quite stiff/heavy compared to most other cars I've driven even when it's in comfort mode. TBH I don't really notice any difference between comfort and standard.

I've already had a steering rack replaced due to an issue with my service mode showing the steering overheating, but nothing changed in regards to stiffness/heaviness.

Taken it to Tesla multiple times and they can't find anything wrong. It does seem like the stiffness/heaviness changes a bit based on the speed you are doing with it tightening up more the faster I go (Not sure if it's providing more electric assistance at lower speeds).

I've seen other people mentioning this online, is the Model Y steering just generally tuned heavier/sportier than a lot of other SUV's?

 

[Goobers]

I think it should assist more at lower speeds, because thats when you have to do the most movements with higher resistance.

I drove my brother’s Ford Escort back in the late 90s and it had no power steering (or it was one of the many broken things on it).

The hardest time was trying to park. Trying to parallel park was a nightmare. At stand still, I would have to lean to one side and pull with both arms to move it. But when you start moving, it gets much easier. The problem is, the faster you move, the less you’d want to turn anyway. Up to highways speeds, where you’d barely want to turn at all when lane changing.

That being said, I don’t really pay enough attention to gauge whether it’s any stiffer than any other car I’ve driven. But I would suppose it would also depend a little on what other cars its being compared to.

But if there’s no difference between comfort and standard, then it’s definitely an issue. What it could be? I don’t know.

 

[gx9901]

Hi people,

After some advice. I've had a Model Y for a few months now. Since new I've noticed it's steering does feel quite stiff/heavy compared to most other cars I've driven even when it's in comfort mode. TBH I don't really notice any difference between comfort and standard.

I've already had a steering rack replaced due to an issue with my service mode showing the steering overheating, but nothing changed in regards to stiffness/heaviness.

Taken it to Tesla multiple times and they can't find anything wrong. It does seem like the stiffness/heaviness changes a bit based on the speed you are doing with it tightening up more the faster I go (Not sure if it's providing more electric assistance at lower speeds).

I've seen other people mentioning this online, is the Model Y steering just generally tuned heavier/sportier than a lot of other SUV's?

I've used the Sport steering mode exclusively since day one in my MYP, so I don't really know if it's tuned heavier compared to most other cars. I do enjoy the heavier feel of Sport steering mode. I did try comfort and standard mode at some point and I recall there being a bit of difference, but it has been a couple of years since I last tried either.

Have your steering gotten heavier/stiffer since when you first got the car? If you're not sure, go test drive a Model Y at a Tesla SC to see if you can notice any differences if you have a nearby SC.

 

[OffGreenFX]

Have your steering gotten heavier/stiffer since when you first got the car? If you're not sure, go test drive a Model Y at a Tesla SC to see if you can notice any differences if you have a nearby SC.

I've driven a couple of other Model Y's now (I had to when I got the steering rack replaced). I've never felt much difference. Might have been slightly lighter.

That being said, I don’t really pay enough attention to gauge whether it’s any stiffer than any other car I’ve driven. But I would suppose it would also depend a little on what other cars its being compared to.

It's significantly stiffer than our VW Tiguan. Also far stiffer than a Nissan X-trail I just rented. I couldn't get over how loose the X-Trail steering was in comparison.

But if there’s no difference between comfort and standard, then it’s definitely an issue. What it could be? I don’t know.

I've now driven a few Model Y's and feel very little if any difference between comfort and standard. I'm also seeing the same thing repeated a lot on Australian support pages where I'm from. Wonder if it's something to do with the Shanghai builds.

 

[EVRider-FL]

I don’t find the steering in my wife’s MYP any stiffer than her previous M3 or my MS.

 

[bhavi501]

My cousin has 2022 model y. His steering is lot easier than my model y which I bought on 2023 Dec. Mine is a lot stiffer than his in comfort mode. Honestly, I don’t see any difference between Comfort, Standard and Sport.

 

[antair]

My cousin has 2022 model y. His steering is lot easier than my model y which I bought on 2023 Dec. Mine is a lot stiffer than his in comfort mode. Honestly, I don’t see any difference between Comfort, Standard and Sport.

I have the same issue with Aug 23 build….

 

[fiehlsport]

Tesla 3/Y steering has always been too stiff. Artificially stiff, even. It doesn't really help with anything, especially at low speed when maneuvering. There's no reason it can't have light steering in parking lots, but firmer steering at speed.

On the track, most people run Comfort mode because it's harder to perform quick corrective inputs with the steering on Sport. There's just no reason for it - there's nothing sporty about having steering that is way too heavy to snap the wheel in a corrective move.

 

[turnbowm]

My only complaint with the steering on our 2022 MYLR is the quick steering ratio. It's fine when driving in the city but a bit skittish when driving at freeway speeds. I run Sport mode to alleviate that.

 

[TypeX]

Hi people,

After some advice. I've had a Model Y for a few months now. Since new I've noticed it's steering does feel quite stiff/heavy compared to most other cars I've driven even when it's in comfort mode. TBH I don't really notice any difference between comfort and standard.

I've already had a steering rack replaced due to an issue with my service mode showing the steering overheating, but nothing changed in regards to stiffness/heaviness.

Taken it to Tesla multiple times and they can't find anything wrong. It does seem like the stiffness/heaviness changes a bit based on the speed you are doing with it tightening up more the faster I go (Not sure if it's providing more electric assistance at lower speeds).

I've seen other people mentioning this online, is the Model Y steering just generally tuned heavier/sportier than a lot of other SUV's?

From personaly experience i left mine on sport for the first 4k miles, didnt even mess around with the others then one day i flipped it to the middle setting and have left it there.

The other day i ran some errands and put it back to sport and you could feel the heaviness, i feel like its just what your used to. Its not noticable until you toggle through it and realize the resistance.

Do you have a 20"/21" wheel that might just be why you feel the hardness in the softest settings?

 

[Pianewman]

Tesla 3/Y steering has always been too stiff. Artificially stiff, even. I

2021 MYLR, OEM 19" Gemini. ContiProContact for 30k miles, Michelin PS A/S 4 for 19k miles, now Pirelli P7 Scorpion A/S in 255/50 X 19.

Now at 50k miles, and I've never felt stiff steering issues in any setting, 35-45PSI.

I'm wondering when/if Tesla changed the source of their steering racks? Who makes them?

 

[V300]

Hi Fellas,

I've just picked up a 2024 MYP in Feb. I've noticed the steering was 'heavy' on comfort, standard, and sport. In fact all 3 modes felt the same. Yesterday I went to Tesla Buena Park to test drive a tester 2024 MYP. The tester's steering felt significantly lighter. In fact there was a difference between comfort, standard, and sport. I've walked to service to make an appointment to address the issue. Service rep said it could be the steering column.

 

[Rosemary]

Have a 2021 model s. When first drove off lot could steer it with one finger. Just loved it. A few updates later plus thus supervised version of FSD. Steering is stiff. That is without FSD or autopilot engaged. Just have to get used to it I guess. Glad to see I am not the only one who notices the feel of their Tesla. I miss that one finger steer was so fun. Felt comfortable steering that way. Now it is like driving any other car. But still love my Tesla. Drive safe and love the ride. I know I do.

 

[android04]

I also feel like my new 2023 Model Y LR AWD steering is really heavy compared to my 2018 Model 3 LR RWD. It even makes my left hand numb from gripping it (I usually only use 1 hand on the steering wheel). I have also not noticed a difference in effort between the 3 steering modes.

I've noticed that the pain of my hand at the base of the thumb is where my numbness happens, which is where the pointed part of the oval steering wheel presses. My Model 3 (early model) also has a leather steering wheel versus the newer synthetic material, which may have less friction and in turn cause me to grip the wheel tighter. Normally FSD drives so I don't notice the heavier steering as much, but when I strike out and have to drive myself for a week is when I really notice .

 

[Abraham]

Hi Fellas,

I've just picked up a 2024 MYP in Feb. I've noticed the steering was 'heavy' on comfort, standard, and sport. In fact all 3 modes felt the same. Yesterday I went to Tesla Buena Park to test drive a tester 2024 MYP. The tester's steering felt significantly lighter. In fact there was a difference between comfort, standard, and sport. I've walked to service to make an appointment to address the issue. Service rep said it could be the steering column.

Were they able to do anything?