Spongy steering + rattling noise

Hello,

I'm having a few issues with my VW Golf TDI Variant (model 3).

'So, after driving over 150 kilometers, my steering has become a bit vague. As I've learned, you can't adjust the play in the steering with power steering, so I'd like to know what could be causing this and how I can fix it. It's really annoying when you drive in higher speed ranges and end up swerving while accelerating or braking!'

'The second problem is that I'm hearing a rattling noise coming from the front, on the left side. It sounds similar to an imbalance, but the wheels were balanced specifically for that issue, and it didn't help. Could this be related to the bearing, or what else could it be?'

'After how many kilometers should brake discs be replaced, or what is the minimum acceptable thickness?'

I hope you can help me!

Sure, no problem! Here's the translation:

'Thank you in advance!!'

Hi,

1: Check for play in the tie rod ends, steering knuckle, or joints of the suspension. While one person moves the steering wheel back and forth rapidly (about 5 cm left to right), the other person observes where there is any looseness or play.

Regarding point 2: Check the wheel bearings or driveshaft (inspect the ball joints; if the ball joint boots are torn, the joints will fail relatively quickly).

Best regards, Rainer.

1. Specifically, after driving over 150 km, my steering has become somewhat 'floaty.' As I've learned, you can't adjust the play in the steering with power steering, so I would like to know what might be causing this and how I can fix it. It's already annoying when you drive in higher speed ranges and experience weaving or erratic movements while accelerating or braking!!!!!

As mentioned before: ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings (these are rubber bushings that tend to crack over time), steering dampers (if applicable), and of course, the vehicle's alignment; it might be a good idea to have your car aligned.


'The second problem is that I'm hearing a rattling noise coming from the front, on the left side. It sounds similar to an imbalance, but the wheels were balanced specifically for that issue, and it didn't help. Could this be related to the bearing, or what else could it be?'


Wheel bearings would be a good place to start looking. A good way to check them is to lift the vehicle (making sure both front wheels are free!), put your hand on the spring, and rotate the wheel with some force. If the bearing runs roughly, meaning it's defective, you'll feel that as a vibration in the spring. Additionally, depending on the severity of the defect, you may hear a louder or quieter grinding noise coming from the wheel hub when rotating the wheel.

'After how many kilometers should brake discs be replaced, or what is the minimum acceptable thickness?'


Providing a kilometer reading for brake discs is as reliable as fortune-telling. Brake disc manufacturers specify a minimum thickness; for solid VW discs in a Golf, this is likely around 10mm, and for ventilated discs, it's approximately 17mm. Unfortunately, I can't recall the exact figures from memory. However, what's certain is that if the edge of the disc has worn down to about 2mm, you can safely replace them. At that point, you've reached or will soon reach the wear limit, either with the existing pads or within the next 15,000 kilometers with new ones.
Best regards,

Dominique.