Repair of VW Golf 4 steering rack
Volkswagen Golf IV, the fourth generation of the model, was produced from 1997 to 2006 (and in some markets to 2013). It is one of the most popular models both in class and generally among cars in the world. More than 4 million Golf 4th generation were produced, many of which are still in service today. The reason for this – fully galvanised body, little susceptible to corrosion, as well as the reliability of parts and components, including the chassis. However, often age and mileage take their toll, and some units may need repair. Like the steering rack, for example, which STS can help you solve.
Features of the Volkswagen Golf IV steering mechanism
Two types of steering rack were fitted to the model:.
- Hydraulic steering rack with drive from the engine pulley;
- Electric steering rack.
If the second type is much rarer, usually in later versions and modifications, the first was equipped with the absolute majority of versions of the model. In addition, other VAG cars built at the beginning of the century on the same platform as the Golf 4 were equipped with a completely similar steering mechanism:
- Audi A3
- Skoda Octavia
- VW New Beetle
- SEAT Leon and Toledo
- and, of course, the VW Bora / Jetta
The hydraulic steering racks on all these cars are absolutely identical and interchangeable, their repair and regeneration as well as the spare parts and repair kits used are completely similar. STS uses in-house assembled repair kits as well as rods from our own MSG brand to rebuild steering racks.
Signs of trouble
Reduction rack repair may be required if the following symptoms occur:
- knocking or squeaking when cornering;
- stiffness in the steering wheel;
- leakage of hydraulic fluid;
- lux in steering;
- uneven return of the steering wheel to the neutral position;
- vibration felt in the steering wheel.
The main problems of the steering rack VW Golf 4, as well as other similar hydraulic units, are:
- Wear of glands and seals (primarily on the rod). Leakage of hydraulic fluid – the most frequent cause of failure of the unit.
- Corrosion of the rack rod. As a rule, occurs due to wear of dust covers and glands. However, the rust-damaged part itself can cause leaks and destruction of sealing elements.
- Gear wear. Occurs on high mileage due to wear of the stem teeth, in most cases in the centre position and leads to backlash of the steering wheel.
- Failure of the bearings or bushings of the rack. This failure also contributes to backlash in the steering gear and causes knocking.
- Fluid condition. Poor quality or contaminated oil can cause problems throughout the mechanism.
- Other problems with the power steering (pump, hoses, line pipes).
There is a specific example of a breakdown, with which the owner of the car Volkswagen Golf IV turned to us. He has repeatedly noticed oil puddles under the car after parking, refilled the fluid in the expansion tank of the hydraulic system, as the level was constantly gone. The same spots of red liquid were present on the right suspension arm, there was a beating in the steering wheel, and on rough roads, especially covered with gravel – even in the pedal. It was clear that the fault was serious and needed to be rectified immediately.
How to repair the steering rack on Volkswagen Golf
Since repairing the steering rack VW Golf IV – is a complex but feasible task that requires certain skills, tools and attention to detail, it is advisable to contact a professional workshop in order to restore this unit. Such as STS, for example, whose specialists have many years of experience in servicing and regenerating steering mechanisms of all types.
We carry out the following algorithm in our company:
- Primary diagnostics of the malfunction. At this stage, the specific cause of the malfunction is determined.
- Dismantling. The rack is removed from the car and transferred to the repair shop.
- Disassembly. All internal components of the steering rack are removed from the housing, their condition is checked for wear or corrosion.
- Deciding on the nature of the repair. If the repair of the unit is impossible or inexpedient, we offer the client to install absolutely either a new steering rack, or fully restored by us on our own equipment from the exchange fund.
- Reconditioning of the steering rack. If the main elements are subject to restoration, a set of repair works is carried out. It may include: grinding the rod, bushing seating holes of the steering rack housing, replacement of other elements – bearings, glands, bushings, seals – for new ones.
- Assembly and inspection of the steering rack. On the stand, simulating the modes of operation of the car under pressure, we check the tightness of seals and parameters of the unit.
- Installation of the rack on the car. The final stage – complete assembly of the car and driving tests
In addition, we check the condition of suspension elements: steering knuckles, ball joints, and also necessarily carry out the procedure of setting the angles of the wheels – camber.
Why Golf IV steering rack repair may be more complicated than you think
The popularity and relative simplicity of this car's design doesn't mean its repair won't be difficult. Steering – too responsible part of the car to entrust its restoration to non-professionals or train your own skills. Here are just a few of the pitfalls you may encounter in the process:
Here are a few of the pitfalls you may encounter in the process.
To dismantle the steering rack, you need to release all the power bolts of the subframe and rocker arm, which are difficult to unscrew, because they are underneath and subject to corrosion. On some models it will also be necessary to unscrew the muffler mount, which has an additional difficulty – due to temperatures, the bolts can stick. The fasteners may break off and the bolt splines – rub off. Heat or drilling will be required.
Elements of the steering mechanism are unscrewed not only in the engine compartment, but also in the passenger compartment. There it is necessary to remove the plastic plug of the cardan transmission of the steering shaft, remove the shaft itself. It is necessary to mark the position of the shaft, and it is desirable to snap it, so as not to tear the loop.
It is very difficult for an untrained person to visually determine the repair potential of corroded parts. For example, shaft polishing, which is often used, does not always produce the desired results. What exactly should be done to the components of the steering rack is better left to qualified specialists.
Only professionals – such as the specialists of STS – can thoroughly know all the nuances and bring the steering mechanism in a state that is not inferior to the factory, but at a much lower price. We are fully confident in the quality of all components, which is why we offer a six-month warranty on both the rack and all components and work performed.
