Afternoon all,

 

As above, I'm having some noise when turning the wheel, it's not all the time but every now and then.

 

Symptoms:

 

The noise is a grinding / crunching coming from the steering wheel / column area.

 

Sometimes the wheel doesn't "self right" - i.e. when going around a corner, the wheel doesn't want to move back to centre without driver input.

 

VAG-COM showing no faults / issues.

 

I've carried out a fluid flush and change (correct fluid - VAG green) which hasn't helped.

 

There are no leaks or further issues I can see with the steering pump or rack from a brief look.

 

Can anyone help or have had similar before - ideas please!

 

Cheers,

 

Jamie.

Had something similar with my Passat.

 

It was the top suspension strut bearing.

 

A small portion of the top of the strut spring had broken off & speared its way into he top bearing.

 

Made a horrible graunching noise when turning the steering.

 

Needed a new top bearing & spring, not too expensive.

Cheers for the reply Pip,

 

I'll add it to the list to check - although the feeling through the steering wheel isn't conducive with a suspension issue, as it sounds / feels closer to the steering wheel. Although, I'm willing to inspect as much as I can!

 

its been a few years now since I replaced my top mounts but im certain they don't have a bearing in them. because of the multi link suspension set up, the strut pivots rather than rotates... im sure its just a solid rubber mount.

have you checked the universal joints on the steering column for play. you can see one of them if you get your head down under the pedals. 

failing that, id firstly be checking all of the ball joints. jack the car up and give the front wheel a good wiggle. if a ball joint has failed it most certainly could transfer back up to feeling through the wheel if its that bad.

Morning all,

 

Made a quick video of the noise in question whilst stationary - gets worse at times when driving.

 

 

 

Took it to my local VAG shop, potentially the steering rack - can see the whole rack moving when turning the wheels. Booked in for next week and will see what's happening - probably won't be a cheap one!

 

Unfortunately can't drive the car now, as the steering locked up on me driving around a corner! Never fun! 

Steering rack bolts loose? There are a total of 3, Two visible from the top (one under the battery, need to remove) from memory they are 12 sided 10mm bolts (get the right socket and extensions to reach) and one from underneath.

Google loose steering rack bolts Passat B5.5 and you will get some hits.

Thanks for the reply, the steering wheel doesn't move past a quarter turn each way now - I'll have a look at above and do some googling tonight also at the Passat issues.

 

Thank you for sharing that!

One of the top bolts got a full turn on it, unfortunately the steering is still f**ked. Doesn't turn so trying to find a way of getting it to the garage.

 

Think the rack is gone.

Turned out to be the rack itself, tech who did the work said the rack had quite a bit of rust internally / under the boots. 

 

Changed the rack and track rod ends (because why not) and car is all good.