New Steering Rack for my (new) MkV GTI??

[Man In Black (MIB)]

Hi Guys,

want to get some advice if I can.

At the last service (15,000km) I asked them to investigate a grinding noise on left turns. They said the noise was a result of “worn pinion gears” and that a new steering rack was needed.

This is quite disappointing given the car is still relatively new (10months old).

I’m told it’s a big job and may take more than a day to replace it. Such ‘open heart surgery’ on my GTI is a little frightening.

My question is, has anyone else had this happen to their GTI, and if so does it affect the steering i.e. does it feel/handle the same after?

Thanks.

[Blitzen]

Hi Guys,

want to get some advice if I can.

At the last service (15,000km) I asked them to investigate a grinding noise on left turns. They said the noise was a result of “worn pinion gears” and that a new steering rack was needed.

This is quite disappointing given the car is still relatively new (10months old).

I’m told it’s a big job and may take more than a day to replace it. Such ‘open heart surgery’ on my GTI is a little frightening.

My question is, has anyone else had this happen to their GTI, and if so does it affect the steering i.e. does it feel/handle the same after?

Thanks.

Although I don't have a Golf, and have never worked on one, the FWD steering racks I have worked on and have seen worked on aren't that big of a job(in mechanical terms). The main problem I have seen(and older Honda Civics are good bad for it) is moving the old rack out, as the steering input shaft can foul on the firewall, causing some amount of swearing and tool throwing, but this is of no concern to you, as your knuckles remain pain and blood free!!
You have nothing to worry about, it isn't that big of a job, and I'm sure it won't feel any different from the day you drove it off the showroom floor.

[Preen59]

It's under warranty, so who cares (apart from the inconvenience)? The car won't feel any different when you get it back.

[Tim]

seems GTIs dont like turning left. Mine has just started to develop a groan on left hand turns at parking speed. I understand its quite a common fault if its similar to what youre experiencing

[Preen59]

seems GTIs dont like turning left. Mine has just started to develop a groan on left hand turns at parking speed. I understand its quite a common fault if its similar to what youre experiencing

Oh, well that's comforting..

[Splashalot]

My GTI had the steering rack replaced under warranty ~6,000kms.

No issues whatsoever since - car drives like new.

Don't worry, be happy.

SS

[limmy]

my bro's mkv R32 has same problem...and on left side as well! like what everyone said...covered by warranty. she'll be right.

[Oneofthegreats]

There have been a few Golf's & Jetta's with this problem.

There's nothing to be worried about.

The car will be exactly the same when you get it back, less the problem of course.

Also, it is a fairly big job. Entire front subframe has to come out, as that's what the steering rack is mounted too!

[THE KOP]

I've actually just started to notice this on mine aswell. Turning left too.
Mines only done 5500 or so km's aswell....

[sunbeam8dog]

Same problem

My car has done 23000km, same noise on turning left. I am waiting on a new steering rack.
Seems like a common fault. should VW take action?

[Oneofthegreats]

They will take action & replace it under warranty.

[Man In Black (MIB)]

Thanks Guys. Makes me feel a lot better about the change over. I had a Camry in a previous life which needed a new steering rack and it really upset the car for the rest of the time I had it.

Will report back how it goes.

[alcoop]

I have the same problem and VW replaced the springs and strut tops... no idea why?? Anyway its exactly the same as it was before, grinding when at parking speed. VW service department really drive me mad!!

[vmq6695]

If my experience is relevant, the noise heard at low speed is from the failure of bushes in the front end. The bushes can be replaced without replacing the entire steering rack, of course. And replacing the springs and strut tops won't work.

V

[zz2]

i have been getting a loud clunking noise when i accelerate, turn on full lock, brake hard (just as im coming to a stop) and reversing/ reversing and turning the wheels.

it almost seems like the sound is coming from under the gear shifter and i can often feel it through the floor.

if my car needs a new steering rack i will cut of my own leg and kick my car with it