Steering issue-UPDATED

[telboy]

Oh dear - even on 2008 models VAG still haven't got their arses in gear and sorted this out    I don't fully understand as racks are being replaced and noises are going away - why is this not in production (if indeed it is a different rack!)

Telboy, I know it's a pain in the arse to get it into the dealers but think of the money you spent on the ED30 - it should be perfect and there should not be such annoying creaks and scratching noises.  I understand your reluctance about getting the work done - not sure if you have read my previous posts, but just to recap (not wanting to put you off either):

- Told VW it was the steering rack based on info from this forum and also a friend with MK2 TT who had same noise and Audi replaced rack
- Stealer said it was suspension travel - replaced coils
- Cocked up and ordered wrong coils, car stayed in overnight (probably outside on the forecourt!!!)
- They then decided it was the steering rack (figured this may be because they could get a rack quicker than a set of coils - they never did explain the change of approach - they probably came on this forum  )
- Another full day without GTI once part in - they never rang me so rang at 5pm and they said rack was replaced but it wasn't "playing ball" on the 4 wheel alignment
- Fourth day finally picked it up - noise gone 
- Few days later, noticed my Monza's were all scratched 

So, not sure how reputable your dealer is but best to check they have done steering rack replacement, if so take car down, get them to hear the noise and if they mention suspension parts, go elsewhere because they haven't got a clue.

If you do take it for the rack, inspect your car and get them to agree to the current "state" - highlight any known scratches, especially on the wheels.  Either this or live with it - it annoyed the hell out of me.  I'm trying a different dealer for any future service and warranty work.

I hear you Kermit, just like you have always had more problems after car being in at a stealers!!!

Have booked it in for next week although it's not making the noise now and I'm starting to think it's because I've been on holiday and not been using the car???

I have heard that no long term damage can be expected if left although it does need looking into.

At least the cars still under warranty so it will be sorted. I still think it's something to do with the brakes moving and making the grinding noise while on full lock.

Will see how it goes next week.

[stokeballoon]

My car has a ticking/creaking/groaning noise when turning left hand lock.  Stealer looked at it, and new rack required, car due into dry dock next Friday to have a new rack fitted.

The car is a Ed 30 MY08, registered 12.11.08.

Stealer admitted this has been going on since 05, he has even started checking New cars in his showroom, and sorting where required.

Loders in Yeovil, have been great about this, lots of communication, letting me know where they are with VAG, and immediate courtesy car offer, and I must say it is about time.

[182_blue]

My car has a ticking/creaking/groaning noise when turning left hand lock.  Stealer looked at it, and new rack required, car due into dry dock next Friday to have a new rack fitted.

The car is a Ed 30 MY08, registered 12.11.08.

Stealer admitted this has been going on since 05, he has even started checking New cars in his showroom, and sorting where required.

Loders in Yeovil, have been great about this, lots of communication, letting me know where they are with VAG, and immediate courtesy car offer, and I must say it is about time.

when was your car registered ? LOL

[KentBladeboy]

Interesting guys, I documented  my steering rack problems and feeble attempts to fix it last year elsewhere on the forum, after changing most of the front end of the car, a 'modified rack' was fitted and immediately fixed the problem.
So like previous comments, if there really is  a modified rack, rather than just a new one that is not faulty, how come late MY cars are still afflicted by this problem.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=32092.0

[No Golf Clubs at all]

Right so...., was the reference re: "the problem is on ELSA and its reference is 317/06". From here any dealer can see that a modified rack needs to be fitted and all the information relating to the issue."  valid?

If so presumably its easy for a stealer to look up the database and determine if your car is one of the affected vehicles...my sept 05 (55) GTi does creak a little on full left lock.  I think I will mention this, last thing I need is to wait until it goes out of warranty in September then have to affect an expensive repair.

[KentBladeboy]

No they stated that ELSA service code was invalid, but you never can tell with these guys, for 6 months they point blank refused to accept that it was the rack, until they finally had no option but to fit one, then it was a case of 'well that was surprising, not seen any issues with them before' 

complete muppets   

[telboy]

My car has a ticking/creaking/groaning noise when turning left hand lock.  Stealer looked at it, and new rack required, car due into dry dock next Friday to have a new rack fitted.

The car is a Ed 30 MY08, registered 12.11.08.

Stealer admitted this has been going on since 05, he has even started checking New cars in his showroom, and sorting where required.

Loders in Yeovil, have been great about this, lots of communication, letting me know where they are with VAG, and immediate courtesy car offer, and I must say it is about time.

I'm getting my car checked by two dealers just in case one of them try to fob me off, interesting to note Yeovil VW being so helpful, hoping my local VW dealer will be too. Problem with mine seems to be that it only happens after the car has cooled down about half an hour after driving??? At least though I can now replicate the niose and it sounds like you described so will no doubt be one of a fair few having a new rack fitted within the next couple of weeks!!! Bit gutted especially as the new racks seem to fix the issue, if this was the case why on earth didn't VW put the better rack into production!!!

[R32UK]

Shooot I noticed my steering had goe heavy a few weeks ago at low speeds. No noises as far as I know. But I thought maybe it was because the steering was cold (or something along those lines :embarassed:)... It appears this problem is a little more common that I originally thought.

[KentBladeboy]

R32, that was one of the symptons I had, the steering went really heavy on lock, almost felt like flat front tyres, then lightened up as the wheels come back towards straight on.

[2007GTI]

mine does this, but very intermittentely, maybe I should get it sorted, mines an MY 07