Steering Column Clunk

[bondo 6]

On my wifes' series 2 1.6Gti I can feel a sort of double 'clunk' when turning the wheel at low speeds (parking etc). Feels to be coming from the top of the column just under the steering wheel. It is a PAS rack btw.

 

Is there a common cause for this? I was thinking perhaps there is a UJ somewhere in there that may need replacing.

 

Secondly is it easy to remedy?

 

I don't post much on here as I find most info is already on the board.

 

Old bus in question.

 

[bondo 6]

Just seen a similar topic down the page - sorry!

 

Though my query relates specifically to the PAS rack and I would appreciate any pointers as to how to actually attempt the job and where to get the bits.

[C_W 3 1 Cars]

Clunks in the steering can sometimes be difficult to detect the origin of, as what feels like the column may infact be an anti roll bar drop link, or could be the topmount bearing/spring knocking.

 

The PAS system has a different (shorter) intermediate column shaft with joint that is available from EuroCarParts, the rack itself is not (although track rods and track rod ends are and are the same as non-pas racks).

[bondo 6]

Cheers C W, I think I will jack up the front to take all load off the suspension and do a lock to lock a few times to see if it still does the clunk. Presumably if it does it is steering related and if not then I will investigate the suspension which is only at 42K BUT it is 17 years old so a refresh may be in order.

[bondo 6]

Spent an hour buggering about looking at column UJs, and suspension etc to no avail. Then I tightened the nut that holds the steering wheel on about one eighth of a turn and bingo the clunk has gone.

 

Well pleased with that one.

[C_W 3 1 Cars]

It's always nice when it's a simple fix! Looks like you have a very nice standard example in the pic btw.

[bondo 6]

Thanks, she has had it since new (now done 43,000 miles ). Standard apart from some 1.9 half leather seats as the originals went the way of all Pug cloth seats. Only really had the usual brakes etc replaced along with both drive shafts and clutch at 30k (operator error) . I make her pay for the clutch as she used to have a habit of 'riding' it, an as such is not included in my service agreement with her. She doesn't do that anymore .

[jackherer 543]

Your wifes "old bus" sounds like a very nice example indeed

 

It might be worth taking the wheel off completely and checking the condition of the splines (on the wheel and column) as 43k of clunking might have worn them quite badly.

[C_W 3 1 Cars]

Thanks, she has had it since new (now done 43,000 miles ). Standard apart from some 1.9 half leather seats as the originals went the way of all Pug cloth seats. Only really had the usual brakes etc replaced along with both drive shafts and clutch at 30k (operator error) . I make her pay for the clutch as she used to have a habit of 'riding' it, an as such is not included in my service agreement with her. She doesn't do that anymore .

 

Operator error is a good conclusion lol. I reckon the clutches in these cars are relatively unstressed (large engine, light car etc), I found that with my Mi16 engine (which albeit runs a slightly larger clutch) showed practically no wear even after 18 months use and plenty of trackdays.

[bondo 6]

No the clunk only started about two weeks ago so I think the splines will be OK. The movement was negligible which is why only a bit of 'nipping up' was needed to fix it. I needed to get it sorted as it was MOTd yesterday. It passed after a bit of precautionary brake line cleaning and greasing (to remove surface corrosion). Got an advisory on the flexible to rigid brake pipe unions having a bit of corrosion on though. The unions are about 10mm thick so I couldn't see it as an issue.

 

I think if they see ANY evidence of rust on brake pipes it is a fail/advisory nowadays.