Serious steering problems!

[kineticz]

Really need some help on this, when I turn the steering wheel left or right instead of centre-ing when I let go, the wheels turn full lock left or right on their own

Also on the passenger side where I had adjustable droplinks fitted to prevent driveshaft rub successfully, it's now rubbing especially when I turn the steering.

 

[LEE69]

As the car been hit?

 

[kineticz]

Nope. All I did was pull off the slope on my drive as usual, drove down the road and it started

I've been told it might be bust steering rack as it's had all these stiffening handling mods which has worn the teeth in the rack down, or somehow a bent subframe from a pothole

Come to think of it I did go down a pot hole on my drive down the road :O But I've done it before without this happening.

 

[LEE69]

No point guessing mate, get it checked out properly.

 

[kineticz]

I've had a mechanic have a quick look at it and he says it 'looks' like the subframe on the passenger side is bent where it connects to the wishbone.

Would you agree this can cause my symptoms? Is it at all possible a worn steering rack can cause this too... Those are all I can think of before I splash out the cash.

 

[LEE69]

Could well be, was the car fine before you hit the pot hole?

 

[kineticz]

Was fine, pulled up a kurb at a shop then drove off and it started

 

[LEE69]

Maybe that pot hole was the final straw it needed to "break"

 

[Fl@pper]

a proper look over for damage first then a geometry / 4 wheel alignment check be your best bet

 

[kineticz]

We had it up on the ramp but immediately he said looks like bent subframe, I was like how can this happen, maybe you're right Lee.

He (my friendly mechanic) pointed out the camber on the passenger side is miles out just by his trained eye,

This is all I needed before I go back to uni next week

 

[Fl@pper]

anyone else been out in it ?

 

[kineticz]

Nope no-one has access.

 

[kineticz]

Got a steering rack and subframe today, being fitted tomorrow. Fingers crossed, I'm sure this will cure it

 

[EmDee]

I had to replace the front subframe on my old leon, it's not uncommon.

If you're doing the rack at the same time (ie. if you need one) you could try and get a LCR rack?

Good luck with it

 

[kineticz]

What benefit does the LCR rack give mate

 

[JamesL]

was literally about to ask the same

 

[EmDee]

shorter, quicker rack, more direct, bit more feedback, although it would increase your turning circle.

 

[kineticz]

Would have been nice but getting this fitted tomorrow and the subframe came with a steering rack,

I think as mine is a 2000 reg (although only 85k on the clock and well serviced) these problems like radiator sensor failure would happen sooner or later, so I don't mind maintaining it when needs be as I'm sure all of us feel. The engine itself runs like a dream and handling has improved tremendously since it's previous boat days sailing across the channel .

Parts are cheap and easy to source.

 

[EmDee]

fair enough mate, glad you're getting it sorted.

 

[kineticz]

FFS the subframe didn't even need changing, it was the worn ball joint :|

Well all tracked up now and I'm back in business