Notchy Steering... PAS racks and fluid flush/change and CREAKY steering?

[The Dave]

Hi guys. My steering feels and is sounding a bit notchy :-S I need to check the level for the PAS fluid in the daytime obviously but it's got worse the last few weeks... I can feel the notchyness so I'm hoping it's not my rack.

Can a worn top mount cause this feeling?

Re: PAS fluid... can I just go to VW and buy some to top it up? What about a flush? The car is on 143k - would you recommend flushing and refilling, will VW have the right stuff for me and it not knacker my rack by being too thin or thick etc?

Thanks

[houston]

could just be a leak, have you checked the fluid?

if its the seals you can buy fluid that feeds the seals and makes them swell to stop leaks

[richw911]

If it needs topping up sounds like a leak or the rack seals have gone

[The Dave]

Checked the fluid and it was just under minimum. Got some from VW on way home he claims it's ok to just bang in, god knows whats in there or how old lol.

So, it supped 100mm of the stuff.

How much is the gap between min and max on the gauge?

I have a bit of a creaky sound going on when turning at looow speeds or stationary, is that more than likely the suspension... or bushes etc worn? I know the front bushes and ball joints will need doing soon. The car also actually raises up on one side if you turn one way and vice versa, assuming that is normal for mk4 Golfs? lol.

Since putting the fluid in and going for a spin the notchy feeling has gone and it does feel smoother so hopefully that solves that bit but yeah something must be leaking, will have to keep my eye on it and get it checked out too.

Glad I can't feel the notches on the rack any more! lol

[houston]

mine was below the level and took less than that to top it up, are you tightening the cap to get the level or just resting it?

check down below the alternator, the power steering pump, if its gonna leak then thats the most likely place, the cold weather has made mine leak a bit but i just tightened the banjo and its been good so far

[The Dave]

I will get that checked, yeah I had it tight for all readings I took including as it is now after a few lock to locks and a drive round the block to get an accurate reading.

100mm was quite a lot to sup up I thought lol

[houston]

if you look on the reservoir theres 2 markings beside the cap, and an arrow on the cap, when you tighten the cap get the arrow between these 2 markings to get the correct level

the whole system takes 2litres so 100ml not that much really

[The Dave]

Ahhh thanks lol will re-check that on Saturday