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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Clobba on 20 July 2009, 12:00

Title: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 20 July 2009, 12:00
I'm pretty new to all this forum stuff so bear with me.

I've got a mk3 2.0 Golf Gti in completely original condition. had it for a few months but the steering wheel has started juddering when i turn the wheel when the car is stationary and when on full lock. It also squeals when on full lock.

Can anyone help me?

I'm pretty skint so was hoping to sort it out myself, because i don't want to go to a garage to get charged just for someone looking at it
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 20 July 2009, 12:32
oh, and someone has already told me to check the fluid level, and that looks fine.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Wayne on 20 July 2009, 12:36
Rack problem or air trapped.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: ianw3321 on 20 July 2009, 13:31
Check condition/tension of the power steering pump belt.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 20 July 2009, 14:37
will do.

cheers guys
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: adamrob69 on 20 July 2009, 17:12
sounds like it could be the belt
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 21 July 2009, 11:37
Quote from: ianw3321 on 20 July 2009, 13:31
Check condition/tension of the power steering pump belt.

I've checked the belt and it does seem a little loose (although not quite sure what the tension should be. I just compared it to the tension of the other belt) can i tighten it or will i need a new one?
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: adamrob69 on 21 July 2009, 13:19
mine was very loose and screamed on full lock, in the wet you lost the power and became juddery.

While i was geting my suspension done got the garage to tighten it sorted it straight away. You can buy a new belt for pence if you want to go down that route.

if you do a search, there has been a topic that details how you can change and tighten the belt.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: spunkymonkey on 21 July 2009, 18:54
My power steering belt was squeeling, it was £2.38 from ecp, that was trade though. I wouldnt tighten them, just replace it for that price.

The alternator belt is tensioned automaticaly on the 8v, power steering isnt.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: adamrob69 on 21 July 2009, 22:21
i only tightened mine because it was very very loose (it wasnt a case of the belt giving up, it was because there was not enough tension for it to work properly)

From what i can remember there is just a couple of bolts you undo to tension it
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: tweed on 22 July 2009, 14:00
mine is very loose I'm about to do mine so I will let you know what to do later.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 22 July 2009, 15:14
Quote from: tweed on 22 July 2009, 14:00
mine is very loose I'm about to do mine so I will let you know what to do later.

thats cool, cheers!
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: tweed on 23 July 2009, 13:56
easy 5 min job. take splitter off. undo two 13mm bolts at the bottom of pump, then with a 22mm bolt adjust the position. then tight 13mm bolts back up, splitter on, job done.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 23 July 2009, 14:37
thats great thanks.

do you reckon i'll have enough room underneath with normal jacks?
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: av8r on 23 July 2009, 15:36
Don't be tempted to tighten the drivebelt too much, if you do, you will pull the shaft on the pump out of alignment and the seal will leak, and you will lose all your fluid. I did this on my last Golf. The deflection at the mid point on the longest run should be 5mm, then the tension is correct.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 23 July 2009, 15:40
nice one :wink: glad you told me that. that would probably been another post tomorrow
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: tweed on 23 July 2009, 17:27
no need for jack or anything. just park the car where you want it and crack on. thats why I took the splitter off.
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 27 July 2009, 09:01

I didn't trust myself to do it, so took it to a garage and it was just the belt that needed tightening. Oh, and they did it for free! yes, free!

So, gotta put in a good word for them. It's JC Motors by Aston Waterlinks in Birmingham.

Cheers for all your help in the diagnosis
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: tweed on 27 July 2009, 10:38
it was free because it's so easy to do!
Don't be scared, buy a haynes manual and learn something
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: locin78 on 27 July 2009, 15:43
mine did this when i got it more so when it was raining it wold judder when i turned the car ater i changed my breaks it went away, and the noise you get on full lock someone told me it a comen fault on the mk3's but that as gone on mine a well .

Nic
Title: Re: 2.0 gti mk3 steering problem
Post by: Clobba on 27 July 2009, 16:12
Quote from: locin78 on 27 July 2009, 15:43
mine did this when i got it more so when it was raining it wold judder when i turned the car ater i changed my breaks it went away, and the noise you get on full lock someone told me it a comen fault on the mk3's but that as gone on mine a well .

Nic

I think mine was definitley the belt slipping as everything seems fine now (fingers crossed) and i also had all of the brakes replaced a couple of months ago, so can't be them.

cheers anyway