Power Steering Inconsistent

[TimC]

I wonder if anyone can help with similar experiences or suggestions. My 2.1 LLE has power steering which, until very recently, has been performing just fine. Last year, I replaced the pipes with hoses (as many others have done) and checked over the system; all seemd fine. In the last couple of weeks, the steering has felt like the assistance is cutting in and out. It takes considerable effort to begin a turn, then the assistance cuts in and everything eases off, then it goes stiff again - resulting in threepenny-bit turns! (For those old enough to remember old money!)

The fluid level is fine; there's no aeration in it. The fluid is ATF, as recommended by VW. The pump belt is tight and in good condition, and there are no unusual noises. My suspicion is that it's the pump itself that's beginning to fail, but could it be anything else - something simple I've missed?

[Fritz]

I don't wish to be the bringer of bad news but it could be that the rack seals are on their way out,,,,,,,if the rack gaitors start to fill up with fluid and begin to bulge eventually they will burst and you will have a fookin big pool of PS fluid all over your parking area.


Regards


Fritz,,,,,,,,,,,,

[CycloneMike]

"something simple I've missed?"

Cross your fingers and check the track rod ends. Then hope to find the rubbers are split and the ball joints are stiff. It only takes one of them to be siezed to cause those symptoms. Its a long shot but worth a look before writing the rack or pump off.

[TimC]

Fritz, thanks for that - got the heart rate up! With no fluid loss from the reservoir, however, it sounded unlikely to me. Mike, also - thanks. To check both your thoughts I've had the front up on stands and, sure enough, the stiff/loose sensation applies with or without the engine running - so it's a mechanical issue rather than hydraulic (phew!). The way it's totally regular (exactly the same, equal angles of rotation on the steering wheel) rather than irregular or only at certain points in the lock suggests to me that it's the steering relay unit or UJ. Is this a difficult job? Can it be serviced or repaired?

[TimC]

Further investigation (ie I got my little boy to turn the wheel while I looked underneath!) shows that it seems to be the UJ just forward of the steering rack that's binding. As it rotates, it's moving the rack and the crossmember - no wonder it's stiff! Now I need to find a source of a new UJ. Just Kampers don't do it, and I can't find it on GSF either. Anyone know where I can get one?

E D I T: got the last one in VW UK's inventory. I hope it does the trick...