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Passat steering problem

  • 01-03-2011 11:28pm
    #1
    Dublinarea
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32 ✭


    I have an 04 passat tdi and the steering feels very soft. The car feels like it is rolling going around corners. I have driven a few other passats and they feel much better. They turn in and the car feels flat and responsive unlike my boat which rolls and feels loose and it causes the car to drift to centre of the road.

    The car (uk import) was bought about 6 months ago and has 129k miles on the clock and the steering issue was always there. I replaced the front tyres and it made a difference (possibly stronger side wall)

    Will a re-alignment help?
    Does it need new bushings or tie rod ends?

    Any advice on how to check these components would be great


Comments

  • #2
    cb900ie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭cb900ie


    Assuming that you have no wear in any steering or suspension components, it is possible that the front wheel camber angle is incorrect. Another possibility is that the front wheel alignment was adjusted on one side only instead of both sides, as this would create unequal toe out on turns. This second option would be a possibility if it rolls more on say left corners than right corners. Both options can be checked and cured by a reputable garage with electronic wheel alignment equipment.


  • #3
    cb900ie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭cb900ie


    Sorry, forgot to mention how to check steering components! Jack up one front wheel and make sure you put something under the chassis to support the car in case it falls off the jack. VITAL! Catch the wheel at the left and right midway, then shake the wheel checking for looseness. Then catch the wheel at the top and bottom and shake again. Any looseness would indicate worn track rod end, ball joints or steering rack tie rods. Repeat complete process on the opposite wheel. If no wear is found, revert to my previus post!


  • #4
    Dublinarea
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32 ✭Dublinarea


    Thanks for the reply mate, much appreciated. It passed the NCT so i presume there is no major wear. I will test it using your instructions but i have a feeling it will need to go to the garage


  • #5
    cb900ie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭cb900ie


    No problem. If it passed the NCT, wear is not an issue as you say. One thing I forgot to mention is that you could check the steering rack tie rod threads (count them with a small screwdriver) to see if the toe angle ('tracking') adjustment was previously carried out properly on both sides. There should be equal threads visible on both sides (plus or minus one).


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