Octavia 4x4 Reg Nov 2001 mileage 72500

Had all 4 road wheels rebalanced at Costco. Drove 130 miles over A and B roads.

Next day moved car and noted a knocking noise whilst manourvering at slow speed. During normal driving no knocking noise. Whilst parking at the end of another 130 mile drive, knocking noise occured as steering wheel rotated from right to left or left to right.

Is this a track rod end problem ? or worse ?

Any pointer welcome

I think this is more likely the first signs of a worn-out CV joint than anything to do with a rod end. Rod ends usually manifest themselves as a vagueness in the steering, and difficulty in keeping the car tracking true.

Oh Dear - just had the front near side wheel bearing replaced some 800 miles ago and all CV gaiters appeared intact as of approx 1000 miles ago

Its one big finanncial drain these days

Try raising the car up and looking at the anti roll bar inner and outer bushes as mine sounded simlar to yours and changing the inner one's did the job.

Thanks for tips on what to look for.

Situation is:-

I omitted to say that 600 miles approx before knocking noise heard from steering whilst manourvering at slow speed, I had a timing belt changed.

I now understand that the power steering resevoir together with radiator header tank and window wash resevoir had to be relocated for access to timing belt etc.

Having inspected CV gaiters with a magnifying glass with front wwheels raised and found no signs of perishing and previously failed to detect a clicking noise when turning slowly in a car park, I checked ARB bushes, lubricated same and also checked ARB drop links. No apparent faults.

Using the Haynes manual I went through the bleed procedure for power steering and eliminated bubbles.

Road tested and steering knocking had disappeared. I also understand that the power steering system would eventually self bleed any remaining air