Stiff Syncro Steering

[PetenAli]

My steering has just started to stiffen up. Turning the steering wheel 45 degrees either way from straght ahead it is stiff - any further and it goes back to normal resistance. When straightening up it self centres until steering wheel about 45 degrees from straight ahead and then I have to steer it back the rest of the way.

I've spoken to the people I bought it off and they have suggested the UJ at the rack may be knackered (it will be 24 years old). Aidan Talbot can do an exchange refurbed UJ so that's OK.

Just wondering if anyone on here has had similar symptoms and therefore has any advice about other things to check. The power steering reservoir is at the max line and the drive belt to the pump is properly tensioned. The rubber bellows at each end of the rack are intact. The steering is not "notchy" - just stiff over those first 45 degrees of the steering wheel.

I've got some time tomorrow morning to get to it so if anyone has any advice I'd be grateful.

Thanks,

Pete

[wimwolf]

I have more or less the same "stiff" steering, my VC is thight.

Therefore I have to replace my VC, install a decoupler or remove the propshaft. I choose for a decoupler (I know, I know,...) but it is not yet installed.
With this I can keep running on my AT tires as they have a different profile on both axles, a VC prefers 4 identical tires. This solution is more economical for me as I can find cheap second hand 15" AT's quite easy.

I removed the propshaft and the stiff steering was gone (propshaft is only 8 bolts)

to be continued...

Wim

[PetenAli]

Thanks for the reply. I have a decoupler and the steering is stiff whether its open or closed. The 4WD was checked two weeks ago at Syncrospares and pronounced fit.

I've now got the UJ off and it is in need of replacement. They are available on an exchange basis and I'm hoping to have mine by the end of the week and fitted so we can get away at the weekend.

Pete

[wimwolf]

UJ

[PetenAli]

Universal joint - on a Syncro it connects the steering shaft to the rack. On others this is effected by a rubber coupler - both Haynes and Bentley only show the latter version as far as I can see.

[syncroandy]

That UJ is found on PAS-equipped vehicles, either 2wd or 4wd.

[PetenAli]

That UJ is found on PAS-equipped vehicles, either 2wd or 4wd.

Thanks for the correction - new to Syncros (and VWs with power steering for that matter) and learning all the time.

I'm hoping that a new UJ will sort my steering problem. Do you have any ideas otherwise?

Thanks,

Pete

[PetenAli]

Well it wasthe UJ. Fitted a new one (from Brickwerx in the end) and everything is back to being smooth as silk. Removing the old very graunchy UJ was fairly straightforward helped by it having been fitted wih plenty of copper grease. I had to undo the front end of the connecting shaft first to allow enough room to pull the UJ off the rack:



Refurbed silky smooth UJ from Brickwerks replacing the old very stiff original.



Fitting the new UJ involved attaching it loosely to to the shaft and then to the rack. New nylocks fitted





While it was still loose then fitted the front of the connecting shaft back tight so that the UJ was positioned correctly on the splines.



Then tightened everything up and road tested it. Noticed a definate improvement not just over the recent very stiff steering but also in general.



Thanks to Ashley at Syncrospares for the accurate telephone diagnosis of the problem.

[Mickyfin]

Glad you sorted that out, and thanks for your photos, and detail.

As of today, I used my Syncro for the first time in a few weeks, needed to get a new battery, and had a flat tyre, and with temperatures around -30, its been a mission to get things sorted.

Anyhow, today during my journey on the road, my power steering has become stiff too, similar to yours. I checked my power steering belt, which was a little loose, so tensioned it up, but stiff steering still present. Power steering fluid is just above minimum, so will top that up first.

I will then take a look underneath at the UJ.

My steering although stiff, it feels notchy, and pulses if that makes any sense.?

[Hacksawbob]

Have you changed the power steering filter?
http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s ... r+steering

also power steering pump has seals that need replacing. I was lucky Aidan did mine.

[Mickyfin]

Thanks mate, I will look into those. Is there a guide anywhere on replacing this filter?

[lloydy]

i get that sometimes, steering goes a bit notchy then clears up, something else to fix

[Aidan]

filter lives in the bottom of the reservoir
tenner from VW
431 422 385 A

[Mickyfin]

Thanks mate. How do I replace it though? Do I need to drain the system?

[Aidan]

you can just fish it out of the reservoir but I'd change the fluid if possible, if you remove the rubber joint in the middle of the low pressure pipe under the van it'll drain there, follow the instructions in Bentley for refilling, pretty simple system really just extremely high pressure on the high pressure side 120bar
the rubber pipe is a non standard size, I have it in stock, standard 1/2" hydraulic hose leaks cos VW use 12mm of course and that .27mm makes all the difference, eh girls