Steering issue ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ help/advice needed.

[Nik]

Hi,

Need some help please.

I have a very strange and hard to describe issue.

My van is T6 2018 DSG (T30) 2wd.

In the last 2 weeks the van has had the front wish bone bushes replaced (for powerflex adjustable polly bushes), + new top mounts. (It’s on coilovers which are on the lowest ride height (wheel alignment done))

At the weekend the steering went really light, the only way to describe it was like driving on ice? Felt like when I turned the steering wheel nothing happened, then it bites, like the steering is disconnected? After this happened the steering wheel was off centre by approx 90 degrees (right hand down) and the traction control light started flashing? When I pulled over the offside front wheel was pointing inwards with the nearside being straight? Got the van home, called the AA, they diagnosed the issue to the track rod locking nut not being tightened (I can confirm that as I saw how lose it was) he (the AA guy) straighten the wheels tightened the track rod bolts. Driving today the same thing happened? steering goes really light, feeling like you turn the steering wheel and the wheels aren’t steering and are disconnected, steering wheel not centred again (dropped right hand down 90ish degrees) traction control light also started flashing.

I know I’m not describing this very well (apologies) but I’ve been driving the van for over 2 years and know there is something fundamentally wrong with the steering?

There is no clonking, banging, grinding, the power steering isn’t making any strange noises, I haven’t hit anything, it’s so strange but undrivable and frankly dangerous.

any ideas whats going on??
Has anyone else experienced or heard of something like this?

I’m not mechanically minded (as you can probably tell) but my gut is saying something is broken, could it be Steering rack, steering column?What else?

I’m going to take it to my local garage and try to explain what’s going on, but I think the only thing to do as there is nothing obvious is to strip it down and see what’s happened….

any advice or pointers would be a great help.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dav-Tec]

If the nut keeps coming loose it could be either a worn nut or worn track rod and the thread is damaged and not keeping tension either way I'd advise not to drive it until you've had a mechanic check/rectify

 

[Nik]

Hi, thanks for your reply @Dav-Tec, we thought that too, but the treads on the track rod ends look good - no sign of wear or cross thread or damage etc.

It’s such a strange (and really unnerving) issue, especially as the main use is to transport the family around, until it gets into the garage and diagnosed its not going to be driven.

If anyone else has a similar experience would be good to hear from you.

Thanks again @Dav-Tec

 

[The Bear78]

Get the steering and suspension checked over for any loose fasteners.
You've checked the outer track rod nuts but did you look at the inner ball joints/sockets hidden under the gaitor?

 

[Nik]

Get the steering and suspension checked over for any loose fasteners.
You've checked the outer track rod nuts but did you look at the inner ball joints/sockets hidden under the gaitor?

No I’m pretty sure the AA guy didn’t. And as mentioned, i’m not good at mechanics (wish I was!!) so didn’t think/know to check that when the wheels were off.. My head keeps say steering rack issue for some reason! But I honestly have no idea.
Will mention this to the garage when I speak to them tomorrow.

 

[Paynewright]

@Nik - did you get this sorted - if yes what was the fix?