2005 "New" Malibu LS w/electric powersteering

I own the car above and although I think electric power steering is a
neat way to save weight & energy, I would like to know the following:

1. The electric steering assist on the Malibu/Maxx is advertised as
"decreasing" at higher speeds. I still find it intrusive even at over
30mph. The alignment has been done twice by a garage I know well and
trust, and the car has almost ridiculous tendancy to roll with little
application of the gas pedal!

Question: Since there must be some computer playing a role in the
amount of electric power steering applied at various speeds, can't
that module be programmed to provide progessively even LESS p.s.
effort from 20-30 mph, 30-40mph and so on? I want the car's own
alignment characteristics to straighten the wheels out from a turn,
not some computer! I don't mind the assist under 15mph, as in tight
parking spots, but at anything over 20 standard suspension geometry
should be taking over.


2. I asked my dealer service center in 2006 and they said at that time
- no, it's a closed system and no dealer service bay mods can be made.

I would like to know otherwise, as I'm tired of having to nurse-maid
this car on highways at over 60mph where SAI & caster should be
performing this role w/o interference from power steering.

thanks,

-ChrisCoaster

On May 10, 5:48 pm, ChrisCoaster <ckozi...@snet.net> wrote:
> I own the car above and although I think electric power steering is a
> neat way to save weight & energy, I would like to know the following:
>
> 1.  The electric steering assist on the Malibu/Maxx is advertised as
> "decreasing" at higher speeds.  I still find it intrusive even at over
> 30mph.  The alignment has been done twice by a garage I know well and
> trust, and the car has almost ridiculous tendancy to roll with little
> application of the gas pedal!
>
> Question:  Since there must be some computer playing a role in the
> amount of electric power steering applied at various speeds, can't
> that module be programmed to provide progessively even LESS p.s.
> effort from 20-30 mph, 30-40mph and so on?  I want the car's own
> alignment characteristics to straighten the wheels out from a turn,
> not some computer!  I don't mind the assist under 15mph, as in tight
> parking spots, but at anything over 20 standard suspension geometry
> should be taking over.
>
> 2. I asked my dealer service center in 2006 and they said at that time
> - no, it's a closed system and no dealer service bay mods can be made.
>
> I would like to know otherwise, as I'm tired of having to nurse-maid
> this car on highways at over 60mph where SAI & caster should be
> performing this role w/o interference from power steering.
>
> thanks,
>
> -ChrisCoaster
________________
No eye-dears?

I'm just concerned about this because if electric/electronic
powersteering is the future I do NOT want a computer or servo to
emulate the effects of caster & SAI for me. If buying an older car is
the only way to get one with good geometry and road manners then that
might be the way I have to go.

-CC