Urgent Steering query - help am I safe??!!

[cняis]

1990 8v GTI, no PAS
:
Please could someone shed some light onto this issue for me!

I was driving home this evening, through some nice country A roads, when suddenly i notice the steering is becoming stiff between 12 and 1 o'clock only. It almost feels as if the steering rack is getting stuck? Beyond this point it frees up and feels normal, which of course was leading to some funny right-hand bend steering.

It isnt making any funny noises, nor is it hard work to turn the steering wheel but it definitely feels like its catching between centre and 1 o'clock.

I quickly checked the tyre pressures when i got home and they all look fine. its only just developed this niggle and I hope its nothing serious! 

EDIT: i've just found this comment in another thread regarding dodgy steering: "...also check the steering rack for a tight spot whilst the front wheels are off the ground, you could have a bent steering rack!"

so maybe the rack is knackered? or just the bushes?

oh bugger!

[xxdansigxx]

best bet jack it up see if you have the same problem if you do it's the rack...

[cняis]

took it for a spin today, tyres are fine. drove 20 miles but only after 10 miles did i notice the problem... same on the way home!

Found this, seems like it might not be the rack, theres a number of things to consider:

I remember from my Mk II GTI the front suspension and rack take a beating on these cars. It's worth checking the following:

1. Are the strut top swivels seized? If you open the bonnet and turn the steering, you should see them moving. You or a friend might spot if one appears stiffer than the other. Might be easiest checked on axle stands. The black plastic caps just pull off the strut tops.
2. Same goes for the lower ball joints.
3. Seized track rod end? Unlikely, but possible.
4. The steering rack may be partially seized. The GTI ones used to wear quite badly, so I wouldn't be surprised if this were the problem.

To the garage i think.