Heavy steering after brake caliper / disc change, possible or coincidence?

[Jackinory]

Hey all,

Front left calier changed, along with front discs and pads both sides. No sign of brake dragging.

Before this, steering wheel would groan a little when turning, both right and left. Now after the brake change, the steering feels a little heavier. Not too bad, not crazy, but noticeable. The wheel when turning slowly both ways when stationary, but mainly left, feels "jerky", as in during the rotation a few times it feels like it's getting held back. This is NOT consistent, which is what puzzles me.

I see a lot of information is mainly about the models with the button inside to change the suspension level, checking the LDS level too. What can I do with my model? I'm not mechanically minded or have tools, so what can I do to check fluid in mine? Or is literally a case of parking on a flat surface and checking?

2009 saloon, VTR+ 2.0 HDI.

Many thanks!

[wurlycorner]

I wonder if this is perhaps a problem with one of your FRIP joints?
When they fail, they not only get a bit stiff, but they also tend to ‘stick’ on rotation. Would feel kind of ‘notchy’.
You’d check them in the same way you’d check a lower ball joint (wheels off the ground, grab the wheel and swivel left/right checking for any feel of play or ‘notchiness’ and pull it outward top/bottom and lever under the wheel taking the weight on/off, while watching the joint to see if any play etc).

[PaulC5]

When doing your test, it would be better to put some magazines under the front wheels if you want to turn them whilst not moving to avoid the tyres gripping the road. Then you might better be able to tell if it is jerky and not just the tyres/road contact. Different road surfaces might also make it feel different at the steering wheel when trying this.

[Jackinory]

When doing your test, it would be better to put some magazines under the front wheels if you want to turn them whilst not moving to avoid the tyres gripping the road. Then you might better be able to tell if it is jerky and not just the tyres/road contact. Different road surfaces might also make it feel different at the steering wheel when trying this.

Oh that's interesting! Learn something new every day. I'm gonna take it back to the garage on Tues to troubleshoot, gave them a ring and they were happy to have a quick check.

[PaulC5]

The garage ramp will likely have turn table plates used under the front wheels rather than magazines. If you can, watch them check your car.