Steering column clunk and wandering

[sarg]

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

The replacement procedure is here:

http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articl...eer/srack.html

Thanks Richard, this is what had happened with mine:

"an internal seal in the steering rack assembly has gone bad and the fluid is collecting in the boot. Once the boot fills with fluid, it seeps past the boot ties near the tie rod ends or it gushes out as the boots compress when the car is turning"

and I used this guide for my repair, it was very helpful - I hadn't found this forum at that time.

I can confirm the following:

1. Due to the difficult access to some of the bolts, it will take some elbow grease and patience. Not really for the timid. We had to, in effect, fabricate new tools in order to reach some of the inaccessible bolts

2. Loosen second rack support bolt. Put my hand where??? The easiest place I've found to this horrid bolt was to go in from the top of the engine compartment. Remove the intake air duct between the air cleaner and the throttle valve. I call this new opening into the dark unknown: Satan's ***hole. It is full of sharp teeth and is hungry for your arm! Actually, it has one tooth, but it's vicious, I tell you -- it's one of the electrical connectors. I guess one COULD file the plastic corner down a bit. But that's no fun. I can confirm all three of us had shredded knuckles, hands and arms [/i]Feel the pain. Embrace the pain. Know Satan's ***hole.[/i]

[SilverS8]

Tried tightening the adjustable bolt on the rack today, unfortunately no improvements towards play in the steering but i sure got heavy when turning it to much.

So either the inner tie rods or the rack is for some reason worn out...

Grrr...

[Goran]

damn! sorry to hear that.
I'm going to check out mine soon, I sure hope its just a lose mounting bolt or the tightening nut. The knocking noise over bumps is getting annoying.

[texas2201]

OK Update - replaced ARB bushes - and while we were at it (use the term loosely) we discovered the belt tensioner damper was fooked and the belt was loose.

replaced this and the belt and the bearing near it

problem seems to have gone will drive it for a few days and then update

[jza8]

that might as well be the cause, as the steering wheel movement is tied to pas pump which is tied to belt tensioner. hmmm?