VW Mk5 Golf TDi 140 2004/5 PAS failure while in garage

[Glasvegas77]

Wonder if I can get some tips.

Left my 100k Mk5 Golf (v well looked after) into garage for MoT.

Called me to say it needed a new shock on the front, said to go ahead £300 plus Inc MOT?

They did it and then called to say the power steering wasn't working. It worked when it went up on the jack but wasn't when it came down. An independent MOT station. They googled forums and were telling me about new racks etc....... £1000 or so fitted.

I haven't taken possession back yet and haven't paid them..... They can't do the work. Am thinking of getting independent VW station in for independent inspection and to look at the old shock!

Any advice please from mechanics who might know a thing or two and anyone who's been in a situation like this?

Ian

[TDIfurby]

Have they done a VCDS scan to find out why? Doubt they could really have knocked anything whilst fitting the shocker.

[Glasvegas77]

They said the fault code was checked and they thought I might need a new rack! Not ideal.

Was maybe going to get a specialist VW garage to look and review and advise and check the old shock just in case!

[TDIfurby]

Two are independent of each other - shocks are not connected to the operation of the steering rack. I would be curious to know what the fault code is. Potentially they have just disconnected a sensor or something during the shocker change, and the fault code is on the ECU bringing up the PAS light. Might just need the fault code clearing to bring back to life?

[Glasvegas77]

Hi

Fault code
00573 Steering torque sensor not a plausible signal

He tried erasing code and resetting and full locks etc but nothing seems to have worked
Done all the troubleshooting. Spoke to master tech at VW. He said a new rack, I can see on the Internet that this has happened a bit. Unfortunately I'm 5 years and 50000 out of warranty!!

Will pick up a second hand one for £150

VW didn't even try and persuade me to get it done there £650 for part alone!

[TDIfurby]

Maybe it is a sad coincidence. That sensor isn't something which can just be replaced. Its fairly similar to the angle sensor fault I get on my steering rack every now and then. Thankfully the sensor is about £75 and easy to change.