infrequent stiff steering

[cняis]

the daily has been suffering from stiff steering for the last few months, plus its harder/more notchy turning right than it is turning left. its seems to get worse the warmer the car is. steering column and UJ's have been replaced, and the steering rack has been slackened up by loosening the bolt underneath slightly (a la bentley guide). n/s wishbone was replaced too as the rear bush was worn.

very occasionally it will loosen right up and appear working normally again... which is often associated with a loud "ping" or knock noise i get from the n/s/f. This loud noise often happens when parking whilst turning the steering wheel, and reminds me of the noise you might get when new springs have been fitted(?)

a local garage cant find anything wrong.

ideas? 


p.s. its a non-PAS model

[dabill]

track rod ends? ball joints??

just have a good gander, possibly the wheel bearing(s)?

has the new rack and column been fitted correctly? or was it happening before the new stuff?

[cняis]

track rod ends? ball joints??

just have a good gander, possibly the wheel bearing(s)?

has the new rack and column been fitted correctly? or was it happening before the new stuff?

it was happening before aswell, and the wheel bearings have both been done on the front in the last 18 months

its the occasional ping noise that gets me, its quite loud!

[...joe]

sounds like outer c.v joints to me?

[cняis]

sounds like outer c.v joints to me?

would this account for the "notchyness"? the steering wheel will turn about 1/3 of a turn to the right then lock up before continuing around 

[dabill]

best thing you can do is jack up the front, onto axle stands, then off with the wheels (discs if you like so you can see betetr, but not essencial) and get someone to turn the steelring rack, look out for any wierd movements, or cracked cv joints and give everything a wiggle.

[cняis]

last time it was jacked up on stands was to adjust the steering rack bolt, and the steering felt smooth in both directions.

also, it doesnt make a noise if held on full lock when driving, just when turning the wheel. it will knock once and thats it.

[golf8v]

top spring mount bearings when siezed cause the ping noise. and if are siezed will cause stiff steering

[...joe]

sounds like outer c.v joints to me?

would this account for the "notchyness"? the steering wheel will turn about 1/3 of a turn to the right then lock up before continuing around 

i had one on its way out and it jerked a bit when turning like it would go hard soft hard soft. i knew what it was just didn't have time to sort it! pull the boot back and have a look. if you're carefull you'll be able to pull it back, have a look and re-fit if everything is fine

[golf mk2 tornado red]

where do i find the bolt to tighten up my steering. have abit ov play in the rack and was told i could nip this up to remove the excess play. feels like ive got a steering box lol