Stiff Power Steering

[jrwilshire2003]

Hi all,
I have a mk4 golf GT TDi on a 1998 plate. Recently it has developed a problem of stiff power steering. Feels like the front tyres are half deflated (but there not!) or the pump is only giving out half it's power or something. Was wondering if it is the pump on it's way out or is there any other common fault on the steering system that could cause this. Hope someone can help! Thanks!

[Col]

I take it the fluid level is ok ?

Is the aux belt tight / worn ?

If so, could be faulty rack or pump.

Sorry for stating the obvious.

Also..... could be a long shot; partially seized lower ball joint(s) and or top mount(s).

[jrwilshire2003]

Sorry forgot to mention all that. Yeah, fluid level fine, had a new belt on about 2 months ago as the other snapped but steering was fine after the change. It is going in tmw for new top mounts as they were pulled up on the MOT as having Slight play, and also new ARB bushes as i have the knocking/clonking noise from the front wheels. I never the thought top mounts would cause the steering to be stiff??? It does feel a bit loose and you have to hold onto the wheel a bit harder to keep control sometimes

[Eshrules]

Sorry forgot to mention all that. Yeah, fluid level fine, had a new belt on about 2 months ago as the other snapped but steering was fine after the change. It is going in tmw for new top mounts as they were pulled up on the MOT as having Slight play, and also new ARB bushes as i have the knocking/clonking noise from the front wheels. I never the thought top mounts would cause the steering to be stiff??? It does feel a bit loose and you have to hold onto the wheel a bit harder to keep control sometimes

hang on :S im confused now.. how can your steering be loose, but feel stiff?

[Col]

The top mount bushes wear and compress / shrink which means the suspension can be loose vertically.

At the same time the top mount and top mount bearing also rotates with the steering. The top mount bearing can sieze and become stiff.

Put simply;

vertical movement is the loose

the rotational movement is stiff.

Both can exist at the same time.

[jrwilshire2003]

Thats why i'm thinking the rattleing noise could be the top mounts aswell, and not just the ARB bushes. Thats what started first and now I have the stiff steering problem. I really don't know but having the top mounts changed tmw anyway