1997 Passat TDI - Steering creaking | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

Fri 15 Sep 2006 17:12

1997 Passat TDI - Steering creaking - golddust

Hi,

I just bought a used VW Passat TDI (110) estate but it has a few problems I need to sort.
The biggest headache is that the steering has a loud groaning and creaking noise. Generally this can be heard with the vehicle stationary or a low speed (below 30mph). The steering wheel only needs a small movement to make noise, unlike my old passat where the steering track rod ends wore. On that the noise was more clunking/straining at the steering lock this is more like "rusty spring" sort of noise and appears on all steering movement.

Before I approach a garage, any suggestions as to the cause and potential impact?

The car has been well maintained and passed an MOT only 2 days ago so a little baffled at present...

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Fri 15 Sep 2006 21:28

1997 Passat TDI - Steering creaking - dieselnut

Had exactly the same thing with my lads Passat.
It was the lower transverse arm that is a cast alloy component that has the lower ball joint cast in it.
The ball joint starts to wear & makes the noise.
Pattern ones are about £40 from Eurocarparts or GSF & not too hard to fit.
The inner mounting bolt is a bit inaccesible & tight.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link