power steering problem

[tony g]

Hi y'all, i am new to this forum and vw ownership. I've recently acquired a 98 r reg passat estate tdi ahu which is great for the motorway drive to work. I'm fairly competant at diy mechanics so hopefully you guys could give me some advice and as time goes on i will be able to return the favour.

The problem is with the power steering, it feels extremely light but when holding it on a bend it gives some on/off kind of resistance, i can't decide if it is the pump or the steering rack does anyone have any ideas?
It's topped up with the correct fluid etc and is in no way noisey.

Could someone define the sympons of a knackered rack and also a pas pump please?

any help is much apreciated

[Last Triumph]

Mine is exactly the same (99T 1.8 20V) - doesn't cause me a problem, but I know it isn't quite right.

I'd be interested to find out what it is too....

If you hold the steering wheel still round a bend it is fine, but if you try and increase or decrease the lock slightly, there is a kind of 'resist then give' feeling.

[tony g]

i made contact with a company who deal in power steering racks,pumps etc and explained the problem.
I recieved an email back today, they think that the directional valve is playing up on the rack so the rack will need replacing, £125+vat.
The price isn't bad but from what i can see it will be a bugger of a job to fit!

Does this so sound like the right diagnosis?

[Last Triumph]

Sounds possible, but at £125 + VAT along with a whole world of grief to fit, I'll live with it - it's not a problem, just not quite right.

[bobmac892]

Folks I had a similar feeling in the steering of Mk III Golf GTi I had a while back and found it was the powere steering pump that was knackered. Replaced it and the steering was fine again. Not sure how big a job that would be on your cars but it would be worth a look ahead of the rack as it was a couple of hours work on the golf. Also part was an exchange so I'd check with your local dealer/motor factor if the old pump is needed up front.

Bobmac892

[tony g]

well the pump would be the easiest to replace! What exactly was the steering like in your mk3 golf bobmac892?