Is steering too heavy?

evening all.. An experienced mechanic drove my car the other day and remarked how heavy the steering was… I've always known it was heavy but have just accepted it, he said it was heavy even for a car without power steering

anyway.. He said it could be an incorrect steering rack, I had the rack replaced about four or five years ago

its lowered and was replaced with new arms, top mounts etc

tyres are correctly inflated

I'm confused, does anyone else experience the same? 

how low is it?

i would jack the front up and check all the ball joints and top mounts, and make sure the spacer is in them   

Even with wide tyres it should not be heavy when you are moving so maybe have camber checked then tracking done if ball joints and top mounts are ok

Really only notice the weight of the steering at parking speeds, in fact above that I find the steering lighter than the assisted set up in our Mini Cooper S.

It's only -30mm so nothing too much

Had the tracking laser aligned and checked with camber etc, all sits very true

It's been consistent as far as I am concerned, never felt it get any worse, so not sure what to do, I think the only way I am going to check us to drive another Rivage and compare

I've never had a problem with it but the chap was quite insistent. But he drives with power steering!

I can drive mine with just 1 finger and thumb once moving but it's heavy if trying to turn while stationery so I always make sure I'm moving if turning the wheel.
If the tacking, camber and tyre pressures are ok and you are happy driving it don't worry about what people say who are used to power steering with no real feel of the road are used to.  

Mines the same, really heavy when stationary or under 10mph-ish, then it gets lighter.

But.. When coming from my new Leon in eco mode with silly light steering, I get into the Golf and nearly stack it at the first corner thinking I can just throw the steering wheel around, you still have to work it.

I'm guessing your mechanic won't be used to cars without power steering any more.

If you're ever the Sheffield way, you're more than welcome to come compare to my Rivage to see if it's different or not.