GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: fidget on 04 December 2012, 00:32

Title: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: fidget on 04 December 2012, 00:32

Hi all

I have a problem with the steering on my gti which has developed since Ive lowered it . Basically when im turning right and the it seems to be when the shock is compressed or under load it feels like the power steering has died and it feels locked/heavy to steer.

I lowered it about a month ago on JOM coilovers and this is the height straight after

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1312/4841229/23887947/404420614.jpg)

its dropped a bit more due to bedding in , is it entirely possible that the steering rack is catching/fouling on something when the shock is under load.

Ive got to raise it up tomorrow night as its now bottoming out on every speed bump I come across and the wife has had enough after I got it stuck going into the vets friday night  :cry:.

Just wondering if anyone else had come across this problem due to lowering or if its a fault with the power steering

thanks in advance


James

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 04 December 2012, 00:35

Sounds like the belt is slipping,  adjust the tension or replace it as they only cost a few quid.

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: fidget on 04 December 2012, 00:42

Cheers mate

Ill get a new belt and give it a go, got to drive it to Newcastle next week getting paranoid its going to let me down on route

James

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: Len on 04 December 2012, 09:14

Get wheel alignment/tracking done.

This should always be done after lowering.

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: fidget on 04 December 2012, 09:18

Had the tracking done couple of weeks ago Len  :smiley:, I had the problem before and after the tracking was done

James

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: MereKat on 04 December 2012, 10:34

Thought you said excessive lowering...   :wink:

Mines about that, steering seems ok, but i am getting some noise from the pump since lowering, think the lowering is putting a little more strain on things?

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: Len on 04 December 2012, 12:40

So this steering problem is not a result of the lowering? You had it before coilovers fitted?

If this is the case then try a new belt but am sceptical if it only happens one side.

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 04 December 2012, 12:45

Could be steering rack or something else binding eg.  Top mount,  ball joint.

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: Len on 04 December 2012, 12:49

Yes could be top mount  if he didnt renew them when he did coilies.

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: fidget on 04 December 2012, 23:07

Only started after the car was lowered , but the problem was there before I had the tracking done after lowering. I fitted new top mounts when I did the suspension.

Had a quick look earlier and the power steering belt does look past its best .

Interesting you mention ball joints as I had new lower ball joints fitted when I had the tracking done


James

Title: Re: Steering problems with excessive lowering
Post by: Len on 05 December 2012, 08:53

Well replace the belt and see. Make sure you get the correct one - if you have air-con the belt is longer.