MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: nath on September 30, 2012, 06:43:40 pm

Title: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: nath 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
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: Ree 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.
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: Sir_dave 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 ...
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: homesqueeze 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.
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: nath 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:
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: Ree 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
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: Sir_dave on October 02, 2012, 08:19:50 am
Which bushes did you change?
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: nath on October 02, 2012, 07:05:30 pm
What bushes did you change .?  :smiley:
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: Ree on October 03, 2012, 06:47:51 am
Powerflex ones !
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: Sir_dave 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.
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: Ree 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 !
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: J400uk 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!
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: Jonny_FRS 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!
Title: Re: Play in steering wheel. Advice please
Post by: nicky 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?