MK1 Golf Power Steering Problems :(

Hi All,

Just had my 1991 MK1 VW Golf Convertible MOT'd (Stanard car with no Mods) and the MOT Inspector passed it, but said that I needed a new Power Steering Pump as the Power steering was "Squeaking/juddery" and they had adjusted the power steering belt as far as it would go, and that it would probably fail it's next MOT.

Random question, does it just need a new Powersteering belt? or a new PowerSteering Pump? and would this mean a new PowerSteering rack?

It does however judder when you are turning it now and again.

Any help much appreciated.

Best Regards

–Roger

try a new belt first, though it may be difficult to find one! if you're lucky the belt will have the length written on it, if not use te string trick to work it out or cut belt and measure then have a look around for one a little shorter than the result you end up with

I've bought a new Belt I got it from VAG as it's a factory fit Powersteering setup, so no issues on getting the belt

The current one does "Judder" or Squeak on full lock even though I have had it adjusted up, so it does point to a new belt, but I was concerned when the MOT Guy said it may need a new Power Steering Pump

ah so its a LHD then? the pump is probably the same as a mk2 one I think. you may be able to use a mk4 pump if so, peeps fit mk2 pumps to 20v engines for some reason so they should be same offset

another option is bin off all the old rubbish setup and fit mk3 golf alternator and pas setup, much better. be sure to go for the early non-ac alternator with the spring under it as the later one has a tensioner wheel that hits the chassis leg

Doh Might have helped if I'd put LHD (Knock on Wood)..

Never realised I could fit the MK3 Setup, (I'm assuming I get to keep my current Rack?) or do I need a new LHD Rack if I go the MK3 Route?

It's also got a Digifant Engine in case that makes a difference, but the block should be the same? (Factory fit on LHD Models)

I prefer Stock OEM (but may have to stash a complete MK3 setup for the future)…

I'll do some research on the Pump as I have a few MK2's floating around which I could use as a donor ;-)

Thanks for the info as it's given me food for thought

the mk3 pump setup will work with your old rack, its basically same pump as mk2 but with a decent tensioning setup! plus way easier to get spares for as tons of mk3s in scrappers these days.

as i say pretty sure a mk2 pump will do you, and if so a mk4 one might fit as well but it depends on the pump connection. so far as i know the mk2 pipe fits a mk4 pump but if not you may be able to remove the pipe insert and swap your old/mk2 one over so it accepts the old style banjo.