mk4 steering noise on full lock

**mk1 Bob** · 12-11-2007,12:05 AM

Hi everyone.
I have a golf v6 4motion 51 plate with 93k on the clock, can anybody out there with their vw head on shed any light on this problem for me, Best way i can explain it is, empty car park full lock on either left or right makes no difference, Drive car slowly in circles and i get a rubbing scraping like noise ,I thought tyres might be catching on plastic inner arches, (that type of sound) but i have definately ruled this out, the noise will only happen when car is driven, If i coast it with full lock and no engine load the noise dissappears, The thoughts i have now are that it might be something to with the clutch or the steering rack but i'm really struggling. Its also difficult to pin-point exactly where the noise is coming from sometimes think its from the back of car but that doe'snt seem to make much sense. by the way suspension is all o.k new springs were fitted 3 months ago.

**chris.fulton** · 12-11-2007,10:53 AM

Might be a problem with a CV joint or a CV joint boot, although this problem would cause more of a clicking sound at full lock rather than a scraping sound.

neileg · 12-11-2007,12:09 PM

When the steering is on full lock against the stops, there's a valve in the steering pump that opens to stop you damaging the pump. I reckon that's the noise you are hearing. With the engine off there's no pump action so no noise.

**mk1 Bob** · 12-11-2007,02:51 PM

Thanks Neil/Chris, When i say there is no noise when coasting i mean the engine is still running but when i put the clutch in (disengage) whilst turning in a circle the noise disappears.....let the clutch out and it returns,
can you help further....cheers Bob

**Adman** · 16-11-2007,03:58 PM

I think I had the same problem as you. If it is, then the noise was coming from the alternator belt tensioner. The garage originally thought it was the steering rack but on closer inspection was this belt tensioner.

The noise wouldn't be so bad on full lock if I revved the car more, but if didn't then the noise would be really loud.

From memory was about £130 to fix.

Cheers

Ad

**mk1 Bob** · 18-11-2007,10:33 PM

thanks Ad, but i can't see how the alternator tensioner can be affected by the steering being on full lock mate, can anyone offer any more suggestions to this problem..... cheers Bob.

**Nicks** · 22-11-2007,07:31 PM

Originally Posted by mk1 Bob

thanks Ad, but i can't see how the alternator tensioner can be affected by the steering being on full lock mate, can anyone offer any more suggestions to this problem..... cheers Bob.

geezer i think your hearing what all of us hear in our mk4's when we put it on full lock... just don't do it.. you can wreck it.. but if in doubt ask 'crasher' he's the boy or the man rather.