Need help with my car.

Apr 23, 2022
2
1
Hello,

I have had my seat ibiza fr for a few years now, no real problems. Recently my steering felt odd and it got worse over time. I have no lights on my dash for this issue but I do have a problem with my steering. It feels heavy. There's no to little noise when I turn my wheel to full lock in either direction. A family member thinks replacing the steering rack will solve this issue. Has anyone else had this issue? Did you have to replace the rack and the pump? Or can you get away with just the rack? Or is it a completely different issue? My family member believes just the pump but a friend of mine thinks its the rack but both have mechanical backgrounds. So its making me worry. I was just hoping to replace the rack as thats expensive to do anyway. Sorry for me rambling on. Just need some advice. Thanks.
 

jcbmally

Started with nowt and still have most of it left.
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Dec 26, 2013
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Welcome to the forum.
No intention of offending here but I think some simple stuff to start. Is it in Sport setting ? Tyre pressure ok ? Steering fluid ok ? Then I’d look at the pump, can’t remember if it is separate though. If it is up on ramps get someone to steer it full lock to lock and “feel” the wheels for anything (grinding etc).
 
Apr 23, 2022
2
1
Welcome to the forum.
No intention of offending here but I think some simple stuff to start. Is it in Sport setting ? Tyre pressure ok ? Steering fluid ok ? Then I’d look at the pump, can’t remember if it is separate though. If it is up on ramps get someone to steer it full lock to lock and “feel” the wheels for anything (grinding etc).
My family member is a mechanic. He had it on the ramps today. No squeeling or whining when the turning to full lock. He said pump looks fine. Tyre pressure all good, I check it regularly. Its a standard seat ibiza fr I dont have any other setting? I've always had this family member do my servicing, fixing things etc. Just wanted to ask for some advice.

On a side note, I do need a new wishbone also but this isn't causing the steering issue.
 
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jcbmally

Started with nowt and still have most of it left.
Staff member
Moderator
Dec 26, 2013
1,271
549
Cybertron
Hhhhhmmmm strange one. If everything else checks out then the only thing left is the steering rack but I’d have thought the steering would still be heavy when up on the ramps if it is at fault.
 

RUM4MO

Active Member
Jun 4, 2008
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South Scotland
I'll suggest getting the front wheels off the ground - both sides together, then with the steering lock disengaged, try turning the front wheels from side to side to see if either of the top bearings is making the struts difficult to turn from lock to lock, if necessary disconnecting at each TRE in turn to see if one or both are "stiff", is so I'd suggest replacing both sides bearings.

Edit:- we had that issue with my wife's previous 2002 Polo, but your Ibiza will have the newer smaller and maybe less troublesome top bearings as does my wife's current 2015 Polo.
 
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