Notchy steering

[Plumber1969]

Hello just get one problem sorted only to fine another

The steering has develop a slight nocthy stiff spot and it's struggles to re centre

I have checked steering fluid clean and full .

I have checked tyre pressure 41psi in front as per manual

Just had tracking done

Just replaced UJ on steering column

Any ideas

Thanks

[F111ORY]

Hi, When were the bottom ball joints replaced? For what they cost I would just do them!

[Kedishen]

Even if it doesn't turn out to be the balljoints (which usually it always is).. do them anyway... the steering will feel like brandnew...
ull have to do the tracking again afterwards though so wasted money on the tracking already done.. vida está assim.. c'est la vie and so on.

O and if you don't change them yourself, ask for the old parts back when finished... unless you trust the fookers changing them. knackered balljoints move very freely and have up and down motion on the ball = bad news man.. given sufficient time they will also wear the tyres so might be worth swapping the tyres from to back and to different side (front right to back left etc) before getting tracking done... unless they are already worn uneven at back...

Sadly i couldn't find the one of a member here who had balljoint dropp out.. but this image should do to motivate you...

[Plumber1969]

Thanks for quick replies the people on this site are genuinely helpful
Shame I can't help more and just ask questions when I get a problem
The ball joints were checked by mechanic he said they were ok

I did think it might be ball joints I haven't replaced them since owning the van for the last 8 years

I will replace them as matter of course

That picture has motivated me lol

Thanks

[Kedishen]

Good choice. I took my van to 3-4 different garages and none of them found anything wrong with the ball joints... in the end I got the jack and pulled out and replaced them myself in desperation... glad I did cus they looking at them after they seemed knackered to me without any knowledge... showed them to a mechanic m8 and he said they were ready to drop out...

Get quality parts.. first line or another quality make... can't hurt to do both sides, but left side usually goes first in england.

[blizard]

Could not see what version you've got.
I got a pair of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400732451116? ... EBIDX%3AIT

And some other MK3 parts. Good service!

[Plumber1969]

Thanks for the offer

I have a mk 5 just bought them today

Thanks

[igotalake]

Hi, did the ball joints sort your problem in the end?
I'm having the same problem i think, wanders around when going straight on but no play in the steering, just a 'notchiness' in the middle position as if it doesn't want to be there. Mines a campervan so it sways a bit anyway so combined with the steering problem its not that nice to drive.

[ernie b]

Hi
I've had a similar problem in the past, checked ball joints and seemed ok, so shruged it off. Big mistake.
Ball joint broke at 40mph, fortunately on a straight piece of road. Front end sitting on the tarmac and not going anywhere. If this happens you have no option but to call a recovery truck. Luckily a friend of mine had a spec lift transit at the time so could lift the front to tow it.
At the moment i can get a pair of joints for less than 50 euros,
versus,
towing fees, bent steering rack, possible brake and tyre damage, down time and badly stained boxers
and you STILL need the ball joint
and thats if you don't hit anything
I only do about 8 to 10 k a year and now change them every couple of years as a matter of course
your problem could also be a bearing in the steering column but do the joints for piece of mind, learn from my mistake

[igotalake]

Thanks for the advice. I've located a pair for 30 quid so i will change them.

[Plumber1969]

Hello
Just thought I would update the thread in case any one else
Searches for the same problem

First a big thanks for the advice

After taking the van to a garage and seeking advice from a mechanic
who couldn't find the problem and suggested a power steering rack was needed

I took the advice from you guys and wow! The ball joints solved the problem
and the steering is like new.

A big thanks

[zetor4321]

Sounds like mine need doing where did u get yours from ?

[F111ORY]

Hello
Just thought I would update the thread in case any one else
Searches for the same problem

First a big thanks for the advice

After taking the van to a garage and seeking advice from a mechanic
who couldn't find the problem and suggested a power steering rack was needed

I took the advice from you guys and wow! The ball joints solved the problem
and the steering is like new.

A big thanks

There is more profit for them in replacing the rack!

[Kedishen]

Good job. I bet if they had changed the rack, then they would have changed the balljoints at the same time - for good measure

Mechanic: "How much do you know about mechanics?"

Customer: "I used to play with mechano as a kid|

Mechanic smiles

Customer: "Whats wrong with it Mr Mechanic?"

Mechanic: "Oh, only the most expensive thing that is loosely related to the problem that I can think of right now"

Customer hands over deads to house

Customer: "Ok whatever you think is best"

[Plumber1969]

Thanks kedishen

I was on a costly road of buying a new steering

I'm sure these new breed of mechanics are just parts fitters. ?

No wonder my van is like triggers broom

Thanks