Steering rack issues

[ip 0]

When I start my car up, after it has sat for a day or so, I can turn the steering wheel to the right easily but when I turn it left there is an initial resistance, a soft click and then it will turn left. For the first few corners, the steering will be heavier when turning left than right but after a couple of minutes all is fine. I suspect that one of the valves in the power steering rack may be sticky but I don't know if enough about how it works to be sure. Anyone know if there is anything that can be done short of replacing the rack?

If I do have to replace the rack, does anyone know how tough a job it would be (or how much a garage might charge?

Cheers,

ip

[shail 0]

I was charged 2 hours labour for putting in a new rack.

Bit of a long shot, but what sort of PS fluid have you got in there? VW's need a specific type of fluid (about £4.90 for 1L) otherwise you can damage seals etc.. It should be green. Maybe worth changing it as a last ditch attempt.

You can also buy stuff which claims to 'smooth out' your power steering.

[ip 0]

Not sure what fluid is in there. I guess changing it wouldn't be a bad idea. Not had to bleed the power steering system before. How easy?

Also, 2 hours labour for a steering rack sounds fair to me. I expected it to be much worse. Worse case then, if I can pick a up a rack for £50, the whole job shoudl be less than £200 plus tracking. Not so bad I guess.

Cheers,

ip

[shail 0]

Not bled PS either. I would have a look at the PS pipes near the PS pump and see if you can remove a clip and drain. I do know that if you drain and refill you should turn the PS pump by hand a number of times to get it full of fluid.

New racks are pretty expensive, you may get a second hand one for £50.

When you get the rack done, buy your own power steering fluid from GSF or VW to give to the garage who fits it, as they'll prob just stick any old stuff in it.

[cabrioman 6]

i got a used rack in good nick if u need one mate just give me a pm if intrested