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Author Topic: Play in steering wheel. Advice please  (Read 8468 times)

Offline nath

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Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« on: September 30, 2012, 06:43:40 pm »
 :driver:  Hi all,  the issue is that on a mk5 golf Gti 55 reg , manual . You can turn the steering wheel left or right about half an inch before the wheels actually turn , suspension and bushes been checked and all seem ok ,!  The steering wheel turns with the column at the same time ok ,  could it be a connecting clamp that connects the steering column shaft to the steering rack ?...  Thanks

Offline Ree

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2012, 08:31:38 am »
I had this, for me it was the bushes it had split I replaced it all was fine then it happened on the other side.

So I poly bushed the whole lot and now it runs and turns like a dream.

Double check the bushings just in case !

Just add I have read somewhere that early mk5 needed a steering rack replacement, I believe there was a recall !

Just finished a nightshift so il try get some info later, hitting the sack now.
« Last Edit: October 01, 2012, 08:33:35 am by Ree »

Offline Sir_dave

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #2 on: October 01, 2012, 10:31:50 am »
:driver:  Hi all,  the issue is that on a mk5 golf Gti 55 reg , manual . You can turn the steering wheel left or right about half an inch before the wheels actually turn , suspension and bushes been checked and all seem ok ,! 

I have a similar issue with the steering at lower speeds, almost feels like it is 'floating around' a little bit at the straight ahead - hoping its just the top mounts as i can hear the drivers one rattling around quite a bit. Had similar issues with my 182 and that ended up changing the wishbone bushes, track rods, track rod ends & balljoints - that was probably considerably cheaper on the clio though ...

Offline homesqueeze

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #3 on: October 01, 2012, 07:46:15 pm »
My original 05 GTI had it's steering rack changed not long after purchase. The symptom was a creaking noise when turning the wheel, there was no issue with how it felt. I would imagine this is not your problem.
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Offline nath

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2012, 10:18:39 pm »
Will get bushes checked again wk end !  Car drives fine other than approx 1/2 inch of play and is the same when driving or parked .  All opinions/advice welcome .  Thanks so far keep them coming  :happy2:

Offline Ree

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2012, 03:38:16 am »
Will get bushes checked again wk end !  Car drives fine other than approx 1/2 inch of play and is the same when driving or parked .  All opinions/advice welcome .  Thanks so far keep them coming  :happy2:

Sounds exactly like how mine was !

Cured by upgrading to poly bush

Offline Sir_dave

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2012, 08:19:50 am »
Which bushes did you change?

Offline nath

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #7 on: October 02, 2012, 07:05:30 pm »
What bushes did you change .?  :smiley:

Offline Ree

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2012, 06:47:51 am »
Powerflex ones !

Offline Sir_dave

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2012, 12:05:52 pm »
Powerflex ones !

lol, i know that, but what, ARB's, front/rear wishbones, etc etc ?

Or did you just change everything at the front end.

Offline Ree

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #10 on: October 03, 2012, 05:04:33 pm »
Powerflex ones !

lol, i know that, but what, ARB's, front/rear wishbones, etc etc ?

Or did you just change everything at the front end.

Oops DOH !

I will have to get back to ya and ask my mechanic on that !

Offline J400uk

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2014, 10:54:57 pm »
Was this ever confirmed to be the bushes? Mine has the tiniest amount of play which becomes noticeable during straight line motorway driving. Doesn't make any strange noises but isn't quite as sharp as it should be. Sorry for bumping an old topic!
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Offline Jonny_FRS

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2014, 05:37:49 pm »
Was this ever confirmed to be the bushes? Mine has the tiniest amount of play which becomes noticeable during straight line motorway driving. Doesn't make any strange noises but isn't quite as sharp as it should be. Sorry for bumping an old topic!

Mines similar to this - will be interested to know the answer!
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Offline nicky

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Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
« Reply #13 on: April 30, 2014, 09:30:28 pm »
I'm getting the same symptoms, surley top mounts would give this problem? I've replaced my ball joints, new anti lift kit and put new frot control arm bushes in and still getting that litte bit of play and makes the car feel unstable when driving.

Did any1 get to the bottom of this?