Steering Seizing and Noise When Hot

[snapdragon]

When the outside temp is over 20˚C (like today) and I have been driving for over about 10 mins, my steering starts to make a noise like an old ship's timers creaking (low pitch creak) and I can feel the binding noise/sensation through the steering wheel when I turn it. It happens whether moving or still, and also with engine off.:confused:

I have arrived home, and sprayed cold water from hose in both wheel-arches until the steering and suspension is cool and the noise is still there. :1zhelp:

Has anyone had this, and what could it be?

[DOUGtdi130]

Hi,
Im getting a similar problem on my 52 reg 130 awx, ie ambient heat related steering tightness, but without the noise, I have checked the obvious things, smooth movement of the rack with the car on axle stands, oil level, aux belt etc, I wonder if the hydralic oil is in need of a change as its probably never been changed from new. worth a try I suppose?

[snapdragon]

Thanks for the reply, my oil was two years old, and I still flushed and replaced it to no avail in case it was degrading when hot. (with the green VW stuff)

Like yours mine is perfectly OK when it isn't not, and recently passed the MOT.

[DOUGtdi130]

No Problem,
I will be having a good look at the weekend to try to establish the cause of this annoying problem, I will let you know if I find anything, I am struggling to think of what this problem is though, could it be any of the suspension components, ball joints etc, because mine felt fine with the wieght of the front wheels. And when I dropped it back down and took it for a test drive the problem had not gone away but was reduced. maybe something is expanding enough to start binding? but what? I thought VW's were meant to be reliable!!!
Good Luck hope you suss it out soon.