Extreme steering jerk

[anonymous-user]

My car is now careering in to other lanes upon driving because the wheel keeps wrenching right and left randomly. Upon acceleration it is amplified and it is extremely dangerous. I’ve now dubbed the car “The Widowmaker”.

The dealer insists it’s the “torque” but I’m not buying it. The car is modified but I don’t have a clue apart from rock hard suspension, non res exhaust, splitter, induction system. The car is Haldex controlled 4wd with approx 260bhp. He has agreed to take it back and is diagnosing at the VW dealer. Tyre tread is legal with a few mm left before it becomes illegal. Michelin Pilot Sport 3 rears and ContiSportContact3 fronts.


I’m considering rejecting the car. However if PH proves that it is indeed the “torque” I will probably keep it but it is actually scary, the car begins to feel light as if I have lost all traction whatsoever and that the back and front of the car is no longer connected. I was driving at 70mph when the wheel wrenched and it was bloody fking scary.

I have it listed on my thread as a “project” but I don’t have 1000s to spend on some crucial parts on an £8k car. I am prepared to abandon ship while I can, if I have to. I was hoping to get it up to my spec and build as I drive, not never endingly have it in the garage.

Incoming “you’re a pussy I have fists of steel” comments

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 3rd September 19:46

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 3rd September 19:47

[itcaptainslow]

Has anyone actually had the car on a suspension geometry rig and checked the alignment is where it is should be?

Anything amiss will be amplified somewhat when you ask misaligned suspension to cope with a sudden slug of power.

[anonymous-user]

itcaptainslow said:

Has anyone actually had the car on a suspension geometry rig and checked the alignment is where it is should be?

Anything amiss will be amplified somewhat when you ask misaligned suspension to cope with a sudden slug of power.

Saw it by accident, bought it. It had not been mechanically inspected by the dealer. I just happened to buy it as soon as they sourced it. It was clean, but there was not much service history, albeit full, but not detailed at all. I had heavily resarched R32’s, I knew the risks of the Mechatronic, after countless people said forget 55-57 plates, I ended up buying a 06 plate one with 96000 miles just because it was half my budget and had a host of upgrades. Which have now come to screw me over on insurance

Dumbest decision ever. Should have listened to the wife and bought a Ghibli. The Golf is fantastic to drive and hear but I’m not prepared to spend 1000s.

I’m going to wait until the dealer is back with it before i drop £20k on a Ghibli. It’s in for a fresh MOT. Chances are the suspension maybe diagnosed which is good. If it’s fixed I’ll probably keep it for a while.

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 3rd September 20:08

[Haltamer]

sleepera6 said:

My car is now careering in to other lanes upon driving because the wheel keeps wrenching right and left randomly. Upon acceleration it is amplified and it is extremely dangerous.

What the fk?

That's not torque, that's broken.

Steering rack or something shagged? Whatever it is, It's certainly not torque steer, and absolutely not normal.

[Berkshire bred]

A 260 bhp car shouldn't have that much torque steer, some cars will have a fair bit but not so it's uncontrollable, I suggest a good inspection by a garage on a lift and full alignment. Maybe a suspension issue.

Not meaning to state the obvious but it's worth checking that the wheel nuts haven't worked loose. I have had this happen and it's quite alarming.

[frisbee]

If it is lowered significantly you could get bump steer.

[greysquirrel]

Torque? Feckin ‘ell yours must be really tuned!! I doubt 600bhp would be enough to violently pull a car across the road.
And yes, you should have got a Ghibli, love mine.

[996TT02]

Wheel alignment issues. Possibly camber, but ridiculous toe out will also make the car nervous. If lowered, very likely the geometry was never sorted to compensate (if indeed any adjustment is possible for anything other than toe, I don't know on Golfs)

[Ahbefive]

The torque. All 230ft/lbs.

Probably the knackered suspension or a steering rack/UJ.

[Smiljan]

From your other thread

sleepera6 said:

Upgraded suspension (don’t have a clue apart from the fact that it’s as hard as nails. If anybody knows about the car please let me know)

On the initial test drive the car tried to kill me with the combination of uneven ditchfinders and a lot of torque. And so a bond was made.

Perhaps these things may be contributing to your issues?

[Cupramax]

I had the differential fail on my Alfasud many moons ago, it displayed exactly these symptoms. Random, violent yanking of the steering.

[anonymous-user]

Gathering from the thread:

Differential/Haldex failure (possibly due to lack of fluid)
Shagged out suspension
Tyres
Steering rack
Bushes

I bought it under the condition of £750 off, 18 months warranty included, a no questions ask return, new battery, fresh 12 month
MOT and an independent diagnois and service at my main dealer at my request, paid for by the dealership, new tyres (budget). Very tempted to fork out for new Pilot Sports if solved.

The dealer has now agreed to a geometry check.

Wheel bolts to be checked in MOT at request. VW dealer to check Haldex.
If it fails the MOT, all parts will be replaced at no cost.

And I have now been upgraded to “Gold” warranty with the 2nd largest warranty broker free of charge.

If it’s still not to my satisfaction, I will be given a full refund

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 3rd September 23:49

[anonymous-user]

Vehicle has been diagnosed as a broken (vague) MacPherson strut, amplified by worn bushes and cracked front tyres.

All have been replaced. Still uneven tyres, but now Pilot Sport all round. I will replace the rears. Let’s see how it drives

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 4th September 18:20

[E-bmw]

Simple..... Stop the jerk from extreme steering.

[anonymous-user]

E-bmw said:

Simple..... Stop the jerk from extreme steering.

FFS