How do I change the steering ratio in my 2000 corolla?
Posted by Weeaboo_Hero@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 29 comments
I want to sharpen up the steering in my corolla for a more sporty and responsive feel. I don't want to change the steering wheel for safety reasons, so I assume I will have to swap the rack and pinion.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
That's the neat part, you don't.
Anything can be done with enough time and money.
Search up drift kits.
Fwd_fanatic@reddit
I know that the 03-08 guys can use the 7th gen Celica rack as it’s a tighter ratio than theirs and it’s a direct swap. You might be able to try that, I don’t know if it’s a direct swap, but the 7th gen Corolla and 7th gen Celica are more similar than the 8th gen Corolla and 7th gen Celica in terms of chassis stuff.
Fwd_fanatic@reddit
The 7th Gen Corolla S may have had a more responsive rack as well. I’m not as knowledgeable on that particular bit of that sub model.
prefix_code_16309@reddit
Sell the Corolla and get a Mazda 3 if you want a "sportier" Corolla.
overheightexit@reddit
The juice is not worth the squeeze.
Oberon_17@reddit
But I want to improve my Corolla! While the first step is the steering wheel, I have a few other plans:
Lower the car by 8”
Install race oriented shock absorbers.
Switch the engine - to 8Cy small block (from the Vette).
A new transmission - sourced from Lamborghini.
Of course a carbon fiber body kit (custom made).
I want to see who will make fun of my wheels when I rev it in the town (forgot to mention the new exhaust adapted to Corolla).
CasioOceanusT200@reddit
Don't do this. It will not have the desired effect. Replacing worn bushings and stiffer sway bars is probably the most affordable way to get better feel.
sohcgt96@reddit
Regardless of the mileage of the car, those bushings are all 25 years old. There is no such thing as a good 25 year old bushing. Steering ratio will not compensate for this.
OP, probably everything in your whole front end needs looked at and after that do the back. Have your ball joints and tie rods checked. If they're the original struts they're probably long since toast. Replace your sway bar end links and steering rack bushings. If there is an upgraded set of factory wheels that fit that year that are an inch or two bigger in diameter, put those on with good tires.
Steering ratio is not the thing you need to be worried about.
ImpliedSlashS@reddit
You can’t polish a turd
sohcgt96@reddit
Yeah, not to be a prick or anything, but this car wasn't meant for that. Its just not. Don't spend money on it trying to make it something it isn't.
RR50@reddit
You don’t.
Surfnazi77@reddit
Get better tires
Over_Pizza_2578@reddit
Paired with wheels. Good, grippy tyres on 15in wheels with a balloon's cross section will still fell vague, the tyres has so much side wall to deform until the car changes direction
Canna_grower_VT14@reddit
Strut brace and lowered suspension with the rims and tires will make that thing feel crisp. Can confirm did all these things to my ‘93 Accord and it’ll corner like a mo’fo’. Don’t bother changing the steering rack unless it’s leaking. 😂
Holiday-Poet-406@reddit
100% this before doing anything else.
spas2k@reddit
You don’t. Just trade it in for a sporty car when you are ready.
Porschenut914@reddit
Odds are bushings are gone and/or shocks/struts. is there a sway bar? Often a stiffer sway bar can be installed. Changing steering ratio can open up a pandoras box of alignment changes.
Notmuchmatters@reddit
Disassemble your rack. Reengineer it. Reinstall. Easy as shit
Ars139@reddit
Put in urethane steering bushings and get a performance alignment to the limit of as much negative camber up front as the factory settings allow. When it comes time to replace tires get Michelins in that size.
Otherwise you spend ungodly money that’s simply not worth it.
CarCounsel@reddit
Swap in the rack from the S if it was different. But really more responsive tire and alignment should be plenty. Or trade the car.
voucher420@reddit
The rack and pinion will cost more than the car is worth. Trade it in for a Civic Si or a Miata.
Low-Carob9772@reddit
Get a "not a Corolla" you could buy a better car for less than that mistake would cost assuming anyone capable of the job would be able to answer your questions without laughing unctrolably. That's an absolutely idiotic idea.
BlazedGigaB@reddit
Upper tie bars will give you best bang for buck by greatly reducing body flex.
FrostyMission@reddit
Get a sports car
VirgoJack@reddit
Get a VW
overheightexit@reddit
Do NOT get a Volkswagen.
IntradayGuy@reddit
new tires, check your suspension to see how worn it is and start replacing with good parts.. a set of bilstien shocks/struts would do good with tires (prob bout $1000)
gotcha640@reddit
What will you be using it for?
What other mods have you done already?
How long are you keeping the car?
Whats the budget?
SetNo8186@reddit
If their was a sport model using a similar rack with different gear ratio, then a swap could be performed. A Corolla forum site with mods subforum would know which make year model. There may be a core charge and yours might not qualify for a return at that price as its not the identical one.