Steering Rack replacement

[Richard S]

I had the steering rack replaced yesterday on my 1000 mile TFSI due to creeking when turning at low speed.

Now I have it back the steering is much stiffer than before and I do not get the same feedback through the steering wheel I used to get. I'm also sure that the "Drivers Steering Recommendation" active safety feature is not working either as the steering is far to stiff for the car to react.

Has anyone else had their steering rack replaced? If so do you have a vastly different steering response since the replacement?

 

[m0rk]

it may be a tracking problem?

 

[LeakyTurnip]

Oh dear!

I must admit that i have heard some sort of noise when turning at slow speed, but I never throught much of it! I was mostly when the steering was near full lock but not quite there if you know what I mean.

I can't say I've heard of anyone else having their steering rack replaced, but I'll have to ask the dealer when I visit them on Saturday to collect my Tailgate Trim...that I ordered at the start of Janurary!

 

[Cupramax]

it may be a tracking problem?

Theres a recall on A3 and Golf racks too due to this fault. Richard, your problem is likely to be the VAGCOM settings for sensitivety of the electronic power assistance not being reset for the new rack... take it back to the dealer and tell them to check this...

 

[stikitfixit]

not done a recall on steering racks yet on the leon but would say cupramax,s advice will cure your fault.

 

[Richard S]

Oh dear!

I must admit that i have heard some sort of noise when turning at slow speed, but I never throught much of it! I was mostly when the steering was near full lock but not quite there if you know what I mean.

I can't say I've heard of anyone else having their steering rack replaced, but I'll have to ask the dealer when I visit them on Saturday to collect my Tailgate Trim...that I ordered at the start of Janurary!

There is'nt a recall but there is a memo to dealers though as the one in Letchworth changed mine after checking the part number so there must be a batch issue. I asked why they did'nt change it before I collected it and the reply was it does'nt always happen so we wait to see if it does. It's not a safety issue so they don't need a recall I suppose. Still a bit of a let down having this done to a new car.

 

[Jase34]

I have had my steering rack replaced,and i bought mine new.

I have only done about 500 miles,but have also noticed the steering seems a bit stiffer,but i guess it's gonna be like that for a while i would think.

I didnt even notice any creaking tbh,dealer phoned me up and said we want your car back in for a replacement steering rack to be fitted.

 

[Jonno]

New Steering rack

Hi all

At nearly 12,000 miles I've got the creaky steering syndrome when maneouvering and turning the wheel to the left. Also feels heavier and seems to tug from side to side as though caught in a crosswind.

Dealer is going to replace the rack and the tracking will be re-done.

Let's see what happens.....

 

[Jochen]

Hi All,

When the dealer replaces the steering rack, it also comes with a new control unit.
Once fitted, the new steering rack needs to have the correct operating curve software downloaded on to it, this differs between models, so if the dealer does not do it then it will feel strange.
It also needs to be put into a adaption process which adapts all the various sensors and safety features.
Steering geometry will also need re-setting.
Like I say, if these proceedures are not done, then the new rack is basically running on a fixed, tempary setting and will feel strange.
Jochen.

 

[P0LKR]

Hi All,

When the dealer replaces the steering rack, it also comes with a new control unit.
Once fitted, the new steering rack needs to have the correct operating curve software downloaded on to it, this differs between models, so if the dealer does not do it then it will feel strange.
It also needs to be put into a adaption process which adapts all the various sensors and safety features.
Steering geometry will also need re-setting.
Like I say, if these proceedures are not done, then the new rack is basically running on a fixed, tempary setting and will feel strange.
Jochen.

my steering rack has been changed. the steering has never been right since then, much heavier etc. I have also have had the car put onto VAG COM by a friend and it shows a fault code. The dealer has cocked up I think. Really annoying and to be honest bloody incompetent.

Jochen,

Will it affect how ESP etc works. Am I at more risk in a dangerous situation on the road?
Oh and how do you know all this?

 

[Jochen]

Hi,
It should not effect your A.B.S or E.S.P operation at all, but you should get it checked and set up correctly if needed.
Only reason I know about this is because I work as a technician for SEAT.
Good luck.
Jochen.

 

[ayeaye]

Just to add my experience....

Had the steering rack replaced under warranty for the usual reasons, since it was replaced the steering wasn't the same - car was pulling to the right when the steering wheel was held centred.

Took the car into the dealership (different one to the one who replaced the rack), they reset the geometry and centre position of the steering wheel. Also realigned the wheels. Car no longer pulling to the right, and the steering wheel is probably the most centred it has been since I got the car (Dec 2005).

However, my experience of having the rack replaced seems to have been like most - the dealership didn't seem 100% around what was required and may have rushed the job to get the car back to me same day.

 

[P0LKR]

I eventually got my steering problem sorted with a replacement steering module. If only the garage who had done the original work did it properly!!