Stiff steering...

Hi,

Drove my mates GTI yesterday and was surprised at how stiff the steering was!!

I know its normal to be quite heavy, but it was really hard when stationary.

What could be the most obvious cause for this?

Cheers.

Worn out top mounts - there was a whole thread on stiff steering a while back - here The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

The search function works wonders  :wink:

I have found the following problems that contributed to bad steering on my car.

Poorly inflated tyres.

Old tyres, even when properly inflated.

Some muppet forgot to put the spacer in the top mount so the top mount bearing was clamped tight and couldn't turn!

My skinny arms.

Peter

tallpete said

My skinny arms.

LOL …

Top mounts and tyre pressures, as said above!

Also fat tyres can make the steering heavier, is there a difference between the size of yours and his ops:

Hi,I am a newbie and find this site confusing and difficult- maybe just my age!
I have svereal issues with my 88 GTI cab-!) very heavy steering-just tried to look at the thread,no luck. Anyone,can you summarise the main points?
Also really wooden brakes-whay are the best/most cost effective mods?
The steering response is very slow too -I would think worn dampers? Any help appreciated,including how to get a membership number for insurance purposes-none supplied with my welcome pack. Finally,is there anyone (locally)  I could talk to on the old fashioned phone about these issues,and possible reccommendations re: garages/repairs. Thanks,  John .

Hello John, lots of big questions in your post may be better off asking in the right sections but a quick simple answer to some of the question,
My car is a daily and the steering is light enough to drive the car with a finger and thumb holding the steering wheel once moving above 10 mph, I dont attempt to move/turn the steering wheel while stationary as it's hard work and puts alot of strain on the steering rack mounts which can be a week point if rusty, leave this to cars with power steering. If you are moving even very slowly it will help with steering.
Bigger wheels/tyres, under inflated tyres, worn steering rack all wont help, jack the car up as feel the steering with the wheels off the floor.

Brakes is really big question….
I find my standard set up fine but I use the car every day so used to it, don't compare it to a new car with ABS and over servoed brakes, you should be able to lock up the front wheels if not then there is a fault or old badly adjusted brakes, has the car got an MOT and when did it pass?

One thing often over looked is the rear brakes, the car does rely on them as the auto adjuster is not the best once it gets old so properly adjusting them with help (info on this site)
How old are you brakes pads, discs, rear shoes and drums?
Cheapo discs and front pads are a waste of money I find pagid pads and bembro discs have a good "bite" when stopping.

How old is the brake fluid as it should be changed every 3 years.
Has the car still got it's old rubber brake hoses?

A few things to get you started……..