Power steering problem

[the_rhino_uk]

Hi all, I am a owner of an old (and I mean old and ropey) Mk2 Golf GTi (the 8v version) and I am having a few problems with her at the mo.

First up is the power steering, when I turn it full in either direction the steering judders (feel it through the wheel) and squeeks loudly (like a fan belt squeek). This also happens when I go to full lock.

Further more, when I drive it the steering doesn't feel right. NOw this is my first golf so I have no point of reference but I dont think it should be like this. It feels lighter steering to the left and heavier steering to the right.

Im hoping its not too serious (like just a belt change) as I dont wanna spend all that much on her at the moment.

If it is the belt then how do I change it and what tools do I need?

Thanks all!

[Judderi]

As for the squeel and the lumpiness of the steering then yes your right it is just your belt. You can sometimes get away with tightening it but really its best to change it, after all they dont cost much. As for the change of feeling left and right im not sure. Best see what its like after you sort the belt out.

[Judderi]

Good point. Its amazing the difference some air in the tyres can make! I always check that when i cant take roundabouts at 60

[Judderi]

Motorway roundabouts of course 

[the_rhino_uk]

Ok cool, I was thinking that a belt change would be the first thing to start with.

Right, so how do you do it (is it easy) and what tools do I need?

I really wanna do this myself as I don't want to be forking out loads of cash to get a garage to do it.

Thanks

[Gambit]

jack the car up and get underneath it. u'll see the power steerin pump. just slacken of the bolts till you can move it enough to release the belt. put the new belt on and tighten it all up

you may need to remove the pulley to get the belt off, thinking about it cause i think the alternator belt runs of the power steering pump.

[the_rhino_uk]

Oh, that sounds much easier than I though!

So I wont need any particular tools (like a torque wrench) to tighten up the bolts to a particular strenght?

How much is a belt, im guessing I can just get one down Halfrauds?

[Gambit]

get the belt from EuroCarParts or German Swedish French

nah you dont need a torque wrench for stuff like that. just a set of sockets/spanners and a bit of brut strength

[the_rhino_uk]

Oh poo, I am off work at the mo and the nearest place to me is a Halfrauds is it going to be expensive?

There are a couple of other parts places that I could try, how much "should" it be?

There is a German Swedish place that a mate of mine at work uses to get parts for his Mk3 but I wont see him until next week when I get back to work and I kinda wanted to get this sorted this week as I am off.

Thanks for the fitting advise, im sure I can give it some elbow to get it off, do I just tighten it all up preaty tight and thats it (dont wanna over do it)! 

[Gambit]

just tighten the fixing bolts as much as you physically can

belt should only be a ?5, though make sure you get the correct one as there is a few different types. if your unsure then got to your VAG dealer and get one. take your chassis number with you