My 2001 Octavia 1.6 Ambiente is making a strange sound when turning the steering wheel. It happens when you turn it more than 1/4 of a turn and you get a single bed spring type sound. When you turn it back the same noise happens again. What could the problem be? Some research on t'internet has indicated that it could be a worn/corroded U joint that need lubricating. Is this correct or could it be more serious? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Having the same problem on a 52 elegance tdi estate, seems to be getting worse, Have you managed to find the cause of the problem?

also pulls slightly to left even though a couple of garages have checked tracking and tyre wear is fairly even? Pressures are ok and have tried rotating tyres too.

Mine had a very similar sound. It turned out to be the rack.

Or could be a broken spring.

I jacked up the front and piece of spring fell out. The top part of the spring had fractured and the noice was from the remaining part of the spring gringing against the restraint at the top. Took it to the garage to get it replaced and found that the shock had also gone (due to additinbal load imposed onto from having damaged spring). Got it replaced and is fine now.

Will get it jacked up and take a look, hope its not the rack. Rear dampers need replaced anyway. Cheers,

Jacked it up, the noise is the nearside spring as it turns against the top of the strut

The Spring doesn't seem to be broken? Could it just be worn think its done 125K miles?