Creaking Steering

[Munter]

I had the same problem on my old Seat Toledo (also VW). I t would make very loud squeaking noises and "Bounce" when trying to reverse park and turn the wheel when stationary.

 

I told the local garage and they suggested a flush of the power steering system and new oil... it worked!

 

Might be worth a try before forking out for expensive parts.

 

Do this

[Mirez]

Its always extreamly difficult to advise on noises over an internet forum but you seem to have covered most of the options - given the choice between the pump or rack I would say go with the pump - there isn't much in a rack that can make sustained noises, the pumps the workhorse of it all and the most likely fail point. As far as strip down and rebuild or replace? I would replace everytime, if a components faulty then whats to say that when you've replaced it hasn't damaged something else or something else was the initial cause and your new component because faulty quickly.

 

Certainly would shop about though,

[NeilTindle]

Ok, so I've changed the oil in the PAS and noise changed but is still there but now I've got vibration through the steering wheel too. I purged the system exactly as described in the Haynes manual so there shouldn't be any air trapped. I've ordered a new pump from Eurocarparts for

[gaz4373]

I thought it was the drive belt too and replaced that and made the tensioner work smootly as it was a bit dry but neither made any difference. Is the power steering pump and rack rebuildable or is it time buy a new one. If it is which one first?

hi m8 ive got the same problem as you ive had this for the past year on my 03 tdi galaxy in this year ive changed the belt+ tensioner+ p/s pump + p/s pulley +steering rack been to umpteen garages as they all said one thing too another to another now they are saying try a smaller belt tryed that and its the same as was last year .. i took my daughter to look at one on saturday so i mensoned it to him and he said straight away change the alternator pulley and that will solve the problem and not to try changeing anything else too late for he as cost me hundreds i hope this helps you and saves you a lot of cash regards gaz im waiting now for a pulley

[NeilTindle]

It was the pump. Thanks for all the advice. :D

[MrEnigma]

My noise problem here was fixed by replacing the serpentine belt. Noise has gone away.

 

I did notice the tensioner was bouncing , not as much now but my belt was worn (nice a shinny).

 

I will check the alternator later as I just read about the alternator pulley potentially being an issue.