Is the Viano's steering generally heavy?
2 Answers
The Viano's steering is generally heavy and tends to pull slightly to the right, which is an issue with its tuning. Steering Wheel Function: The steering wheel is typically connected to the steering column via splines. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver on the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering column. Using a larger-diameter steering wheel reduces the amount of hand force required from the driver when turning. The steering intermediate shaft serves as a connecting component between the steering gear and the steering column, facilitating the standardization of steering gears, compensating for errors during manufacturing and installation, and optimizing the installation of the steering gear and steering wheel in the vehicle. Steering Wheel Fault Diagnosis: Drive at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour on a relatively open road. While driving, turn the steering wheel left and right to check if the steering is flexible and whether there is any lack of return force. Release the steering wheel to observe if the vehicle tends to drift to one side.
I've been driving the Viano for a while now, and the steering wheel does feel noticeably heavier, especially during low-speed reversing or navigating tight urban alleys, requiring some extra effort. This might be related to its body design - as a large Mercedes-Benz MPV with a tall and stable body structure, its steering system is tuned more for stability than light handling. When I've driven vehicles like the Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey, their steering feels much lighter. But the Viano's substantial steering feedback proves particularly useful on highways, where the vehicle feels planted and inspires confidence. After getting accustomed to it, this doesn't really feel like a significant issue, though new drivers might need some adaptation time - just applying slightly more force makes daily driving perfectly manageable. If the weight concerns you, you could visit an authorized dealership for a power steering system check to ensure everything's functioning properly.
