VW Golf GTI Power steering judder

[BenzBoy]

Hi,

I'm going through my Mk3 Golf GTI sorting all the little problems out, and one which is confusing me a bit is the power steering.

Most of the time it operates fine, but occasionally when using it at low speeds (carparks, etc) the wheel will judder violently, and when you put on full lock you can feel a hard metal contact, presumably as the lock stop gets hit? In normal operation hitting full lock feels softer, if you know what I mean.

Possibly related to this is a squealing belt, although the two don't happen at the same time.

The fluid level is fine, although it is old. I'm going to change it but to me the problem seems more than just duff fluid.

I suspected that a relief valve was sticking. Someone else suggested an air lock.

Grateful for any tips or advice!

[bortaf]

Last week I solved the same problem in a belingo van by changing the fluid, I was going to change the rack but they sent the wronge one then told me the right rack wasn't available (I had the rare one as is allways the case) so refitted with new fluid and the guy was over the moon I'd sorted the jusddering ?? errr yeh cool mate that's what I'm here for lol
That rack was non power with the assister ram bolted on the rear unlike a fully combined type you usually get (in case that makes a differance) so I'd change the fluid first as the easyest/cheapest route to try first) old oil with water in it will get air locks as the water boils and introduces air into the system which normaly judders and groans under load.

[BenzBoy]

Thanks! I'll give the fluid change a try and see what happens. I might as well change the belt too while I'm at it.

[vitesseefi]

Have a good look at the bracketry that holds the PAS pump in place too. As I recall it's not a particularly user friendly design and consequently often gets butchered. IIRC it is meant to have brackets at both ends but the one further from the belt bets left loose or off allowing the pump to move around.

Nick

[backtothe80s]

My MK2 was suffering the same, it was the belt slipping on mine and was solved by a simple replacement

[Bolf]

New belt required , if its squealing its not gripping and slipping , the slipping will come across as a judder in the PAS

[BenzBoy]

Thanks fellas. I'll do the fluid and belt. I'll check the pump brackets too while I'm there.

The thing that worried me most was the harsh feeling at full lock - a real metallic "stop" rather than a cushioned one you get normally. I'm guessing that if there's an air lock then that might cause it. It only happens every so often.

[backtothe80s]

It really does sound identical to mine that just needed a belt dude, I thought my rack or pump was buggered.
Bit of a contraversial one in the vw scene here but make sure you get the right power steering fluid. VW recommended me green power steering fluid when I went in where as it NEEDS red atf. Not sure about mk3's but I'm sure some kind soul on here will help.

[ChasR]

I would also go with a slack and worn belt. I would be tempted to check why the belt is loose (loose pump, iffy adjuster etc. .

My Stag had similar issues on a shot belt.

[dickdasterdley]

Defo the belt....as for fluid, you need green fluid in a mk3, red is for mk2s....

[The Transplanter]

The most common problem for this is the wrong fluid or a mixture of both!

DO NOT use ATF as this foams up and creates air locks and causes your symptoms, completely drain the system and refill it with Mineral fluid "Febi M6162" this is the exact same as what VW use from factory and is available over the counter at GSF or Euros

[BenzBoy]

Thanks for the heads-up on the fluid, I'll make sure I get the right stuff!