NEWBIE: Dodgy steering / MFA

Hi All,

After much searching, I've Just bought my first mk1, a 1991 GTI Cabby. Its a really tidy original example and I'm Really chuffed with it!  

The only major problem it has is: rather vague sterring to say the least!

you can turn the steeing wheel about a tenth of a turn (in either direction) before the wheels actually turn! (n.b. it is a standard Non PAS model)

I have experienced this on one or two examples that I test drove prior to buying mine. (All others felt really tight and turned in beautifully)

It kind of feels like the steering rack is worn and has too much backlash, or a U.J. Is worn somewhere.

I just wondered if this is this a common fault that is easily rectified, before I start stripping things down at the weekend!

Also the MFA Seems to be stuck on the same figures as you scan through it, on the stalk button i.e. it always reads 99.9 MPG, 14MPH average speed etc!  do I need to reset it somewhere?

Thanks,

Jim

Ok then,

Finally got the car up on axle stands this weekend to have a look at the free play in my steering.

It would appear that the whole rack is moving slightly when the steering wheel is waggled from side to side.

I think it is the steering reack mounting bushes that are at fault.

Has anyone else experienced this problem, would really like to get it sorted as it is really blighting what would otherwise be a perfect car!

Many thanks,

Jim