PAS Problem - Mk3 Golf GTI
PAS Problem - Mk3 Golf GTI
Author
Discussion

Ads17

Original Poster:

66 posts

224 months

Sunday 29th November 2009
quotequote all
Hi,

I have a steering issue with my MK3 Golf GTI (1998).

The power steering is lighter when I turn left and heavier when I turn right.
There is always power assistance available, it is not like the PAS has completly failed in one direction.

With the front wheels jacked off the ground there is not any noticable difference when turning the steering side to side.

The car has passed its MOT like this.
There are no external PAS leaks, the PAS fluid has been replaced and bled correctly.
The front Strut bearings have been replaced.

My guess of possible issues are:
1) Tie rod/track rod?
2) Universal Joint (UJ) from steering column?
3) Faulty PAS rack?


Any help appreciated

Cheers

Tame Technician

2,467 posts

235 months

Monday 30th November 2009
quotequote all
Rack

Dr G

15,994 posts

273 months

Tuesday 1st December 2009
quotequote all
My MK2 did this and a new pump solved it but would guess that a knackered rack was exposing a weak pump more than anything...

Is the belt old? They get covered in road crap on these...

aka_kerrly

12,506 posts

241 months

Wednesday 2nd December 2009
quotequote all
any squealing? is it worse in the wet?

a slack/worn belt will tend to create this problem and from what i have noticed recently in the wet my belt has been slipping slightly and causing similar symptoms. I tried some anti-slip spray and it made a difference for a day but in the end i gave up and fitted a new belt (the previous one was 3 months old!)

next project is to locate a undertray so i can make a shield so the pump isnt as exposed.

another thing to consider is when was the last time you had your tracking and camber set as camber can effect steering feel?

dave

Ads17

Original Poster:

66 posts

224 months

Wednesday 2nd December 2009
quotequote all
The PAS belt and fluid were the 1st things I changed but to no avail.

The problem occurs all the time regardless of if it is wet or dry so I would say deffo not a slipping belt due to getting wet.

I am doubtfull it is the pump as I am getting assistance but just unevenly, I reckon if the pump was faulty I would be getting no assistance.

I was speaking to my Father in Law on the phone (Mechanic, but who unfortunatly lives a 3 hour drive away) and he reckons it might be the Universal Joint where the steering column attaches to the rack.
So I think my next check is to remove this and see if it is seized in any way.

Failing that it looks like the only option left will be a new rack (Well reconditioned) but I hope it does not end up being this.

Ads17

Original Poster:

66 posts

224 months

Friday 25th December 2009
quotequote all
Well, I dismantled the steering to check the Universal Joints only to find the were fine and dandy and moving freely.

So time for a new rack frown


Managed to get the car in and a recon rack supplied & fitted from 'Glasgow Power Steering'.

Rack £175
Fitting £50
Vat £35
TOTAL £260


All seems fine and much better than before biggrin

Dr G

15,994 posts

273 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
Excellent, that sounds a very fair price too smile