Steering

[zx6rninja_rider]

Hi I've got a 1.9 tdi on a 06 plate currently got 82k on the clock.

I've noticed over the 6 or so months that i've owned it that the steering is very light and woolly especially on the motorway.
It seems to get pulled off course very easily by the slightest bump or rut in the road is this normal for the altea or do i have a problem, there are no warning lights on and no obvious bumps or knocks.
The is also no slack in the rack

The steering is not as heavy as what i would of thought it would be on a car of it's size

thanks

 

[Viking]

What tyres have you got on, and have you ever had the geometry checked properly?|

 

[zx6rninja_rider]

Got pirelli P7000's on and i had the tracking done not long after I got the car as it was out.
I need to get the tyres replaced soon and will get a four wheel laser alignment done when they are replaced.

I'm just wondering if theres a problem or if it's just how the altea's are

 

[Boosh]

Worn front suspension bushes?

 

[Viking]

I can't say that mine was overly light on the steering, but as they're electromechanical it's possible that someone had the steering weight reduced to make it easier to drive round town. However, I'd put money on the alignment being out if you've had the tracking done. Basic tracking points the wheels in the right direction but it could've been some other measurement out of calibration which caused the tracking to appear out and cause the tyre wear.

Not used Pirellis for years I'm afraid, as I had just this particular problem with them. Light on the steering and poor grip to the extent I had them fitted and then taken off a week later. Mind, that was on a Mk2 Escort so that'll tell you how long ago....

 

[zx6rninja_rider]

If the steering weight has been reduced how is that done?

 

[CrispDust]

You can adjust the effect of the power steering in vag com. I took mine down 2 notches, steering far nicer feel as a result.

 

[zx6rninja_rider]

Just need to get a copy of vagcom now then lol

 

[CrispDust]

and a dongle, thick end of £300....

 

[Viking]

£250 delivered. Genuine Ross Tech.

 

[CrispDust]

OK like he said. Haven't gone up in price then.

 

[MrBone]

Sounds like worn suspension bushes to me.

 

[zx6rninja_rider]

I need to get a new set of boots put on her very soon so i'll get a full wheel alignment done and whilst shes up on the ramps i'll get them to have a nose around and see if they can see anything amiss it's far too cold to get her jacked up and look myself at the moment

I would of thought if the suspension bushes were worn I'd get a klunk or a knock when going over potholes/speed bumps

 

[MrBone]

I need to get a new set of boots put on her very soon so i'll get a full wheel alignment done and whilst shes up on the ramps i'll get them to have a nose around and see if they can see anything amiss it's far too cold to get her jacked up and look myself at the moment

I would of thought if the suspension bushes were worn I'd get a klunk or a knock when going over potholes/speed bumps

Not always a clunk is evident. I had an Alfa which had worn front wishbone bushes, never any clunking, just steering with a mind of its own

 

[zx6rninja_rider]

I finally got round to sorting this out had a new set boots and a full front and rear wheel alignment.

Turns out it was the alignment the front were pulling right and the rear were pulling left.

it's all sorted now and ive had her mot'd today and she passed no problem