Heavy steering, possible strut issues ??

Had heavy steering on 83 gti and after looking at the gap on the top mounts, decide to replace to a set of febi mounts..thought this would cure the problem but the steering is extremely tight/ heavy while trying to turn.
i need a bloody warm up before I get in to the car. Also noticed that once it locks left or right it's more difficult to turn the steering..

Tyres Are good, enough pressure, steering is light as a feather when jacked so I'm abit stuck now.. Would this be possible strut issues, seizing ?? Appreciate the help as I need the car for work
TIA 

Is the steering light when moving and just heavy when trying to park?
What size wheels and tyres to you have and do you still have the standard VW steering wheel and is the suspention standard or coilovers etc?

mark1gls said

Is the steering light when moving and just heavy when trying to park?
What size wheels and tyres to you have and do you still have the standard VW steering wheel and is the suspention standard or coilovers etc?

Yes not bad to drive but parking is a nightmare.195/50/15 tyres-ronal turbos, Wolfsburg steering wheel, standard suspension..
Tyre pressure checked, ok
  

Steering sounds normal then as they are heavy compared to anything with power steering, 195 tyres wont help as they are wider than the standard 185 tyres, just try not turning the steering wheel while stationary even moving at a crawl helps. Also try adding a couple of psi over the recommended pressure as that helps a little.
If you know someone else with a Mk1 might be worth trying another car to see if it's the same.
You can check over the steering rack and track rod ends but if it's smooth and light when the front wheels are off the ground and lightish while driving at speed there is nothing wrong with the car.
 

Forgot to mention brand new track rod ends at the same time top mounts were replaced..
I'd def look into adding abit more tyre pressure to see if it helps

i had a mk1 gx lowered with new fk coilovers similar tyre width and the steering was light as anything Any thought on camber settings, if this was out, would it cause heavy steering?

thanks again

Yes if the camber and tracking is out it wont help, also make sure your steering rack is set in the middle. Jack up both the front wheels and count the turns of the steering wheel from centre to full lock left the count the turns from centre to full lock right, its about 1 3/4 turns from centre to full turn and once the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position you might need to remove the steering wheel and centerlize the steering wheel, you may find when driving the car the steering wheel is at a funny angle then take you car to somewhere that can do both camber and tracking and they should fix the steering wheel in the straight ahead position and adjust the camber and tracking so it drives straight.
Don't just get the tracking done as when the camber is adjusted it will throw out the tracking.

Awesome help buddy. Will get this booked in and update ASAP
help much appreciated 

Different makes of tyres can make the steering heavier/lighter to a degree in my opinion.

I don't mind changing tyres if this will help, I'm interested to know what brands, size/width etc will be the best…
At the moment the fronts are Yokohama and rears toyo proxes 

When you change top mounts did you remember to take this 

link

http://api.vwheritage.com/_img/products/175688/BA544AFB-0A7A-43EB-9A50-99169C85BF4C.jpg

 out of the old and put on the new ?

Yes those were put on, did notice that when the struts were removed the old top mounts were loose even with the nut tight.. When the new top mounts went on this was also loose.is this correct as we replaced exactly how it was removed

Yes normal for a new top mount to wobble around on the strut when they are out of the car, they always seem to be lose even when the nut is done up. 

mark1gls said

Yes normal for a new top mount to wobble around on the strut when they are out of the car, they always seem to be lose even when the nut is done up. 

Aa ah thanks buddy, thought I'd messed it up  
Will update ASAP when I've checked everything
Cheers