Steering rack on its way out?

[Ads22]

Hi hope anyone knowledgeable on this can help.

Im getting various noises from the front end of the car when maneuvering in particular at low speeds.At one point theres creaking and at others theres like a rhythmic dull knocking sound when turning left.
There are no codes or warning lights and had this checked through a specialist using VAGCOM. The car was also had a 4 wheel aligment on a hunter system.
The steering weight seems to vary most of the time and feels hard to turn left. Often it ranges to heavy to light but direct. When this occurs it also feels like some power is being held back when turning left (maybe linked to the ABS?)
Still strange theres no codes showing. The VW technician believes its highly likely the rack just by test driving.

If the signs point to a new rack, how much is expected to replace? I would consider reconditioned but understand may need a new wiring loom. Apparently even revised racks are prone to failure. Absolutely gutting if it is the rack as ive already had the top end of the car rebuilt last year aswell (Cam follower disintegrated!) as new calipers and top mounts- slowly turning into a money pit and im finding it hard to justify spending much more on this car.

[Dan_FR]

Datalogging ABS sensors will rule out any interference

Only need a new loom if you upgrade to the newer generation of rack (Gen3) which is less likely to fail, the Gen2 that most of us have is very prone to failure but is a straight swap. An adaption procedure is needed however when fitting a new rack

A new genuine rack is north of a grand, a recon unit is around the £250 mark plus a couple hours labour.

The steering weight will vary, its an electromechanical unit that isn't the quickest to react. What you describe could also be the infamous subframe creaking that plagues this platform of cars. Worth a search

[bobby_fodge]

I have a new gen3 loom for sale. I had it on the car for a few days before taking it.  Let me know if you're interested in it

[Ads22]

I would say it feels abnormally heavy. And odd its only on one side, which leads me to think its not so much the subframe but maybe the power steering motor dying. Is the Gen 3 rack off the MK6 by any chance. I read somewhere on the mk5 they never uprated the rack from the base spec Golfs to cope with the demands of GT, GTD GTi and r32!

[Ads22]

Would anyone have any experience of using a reconditioned or used steering rack. All signs now seem to be pointing at the rack but a new one is proving to be pretty expensive, after already spending a lot getting other issues fixed. Ive been advised against recon racks and some mechanics are not willing to fit but have heard stories of others fitting them

[Ripstop]

I got a refurbed one through AKS, a Gen3 with new loom... yes very expensive but cured my knocking noise. My experience was very good with those guys. Have you tried just changing the pump and putting new fluid in?

[Octoparrot]

It's an electric power rack so it doesn't have a pump or fluid.

[bobby_fodge]

I had a noise so fitted a recon gen 3 rack and loom and it didn't cure the noise. I sent the rack back but i still have the loom if you're interested. it was on the car for a few days.

[Dan_FR]

How much you after for it? @bobby_fodge

[Ads22]

Well getting to the point now that i hate driving it. Very tempted to just get rid via We buy any car or something along those lines. Theres reports even coming up on new racks failing. Are golf racks just inheritantly crap or am i reading too much into it. Do most just get it done cheaply with a second hand rack and hope for the best?
Im not so worried about the noise its the overall drivability of the car, it feels like only being driven on one side? Totally at a loss with this thing.