We've had our Mk3 for over a year now. I've recently noticed that if I'm really gentle with the steering when driving along, I can pick up a very slight resistance through the first degree or so of movement of the steering wheel, and then it turns as normal. It's really quite difficult to describe it as it's barely detectable, and Mrs Midge had certainly not noticed it when she drives it. I notice it because my Audi doesn't do it!

Just wondered if anyone else has experienced anything that sounds like this? I was thinking it might be a bearing or ball joint binding so there is a tiny bit of resistance until the power steering overcomes whatever it it.

Thanks!

I haven't noticed this on either of our Mk3s (Octavia and Fabia) but I'd take a guess that it's normal - the steering assistance is electric, so the rack very likely requires to move slightly before the assistance starts to operate.

Thanks - you could be right, but the rack on my Audi is electric too. I can't think that I've come across it with any other electric power steering cars I've had either.

21 hours ago, Yorkshiremidge said:

It's really quite difficult to describe it as it's barely detectable

You only notice it if you try to notice it.

Same on mine.

Thanks AG Falco

On 27/11/2025 at 19:00, AGFalco said:

You only notice it if you try to notice it.

Same on mine.

Thanks AG Falco

Most of the time I don't. It seems at its most noticeable when you're driving at speed with little steering input, and you need to make a minor steering correction and you're concious is just kinda sticks a bit. It's not the sort of thing you notice at (say) low speed manoeuvring or parking. Anyway, good to know it is on others - thanks.