Steering Problem

G

GJCollins

Member
Hi all. First time doing this so please be patient with me. Have just bought A2 1.4se 02 plate with 43000 miles. Has 18" TT style alloys. The car seems fine, if a little underpowered. The centre point while steering often feels a little vague and disconnected. It steers well but I am a little unsure sometiomes. This can happen at any speed. I have also notice that the car pulls to the left a little while driving and under hard breaking it pulls vilolently to the right. I previously had a 1.6FSI on 03 plate and did not experience any of these problems.
Is this tracking? It it a brake problem? Is it the anti-roll bar? Is it a combination of all these things?

Please help! Cheers
 
The first thing to say is that 18" wheels are never going to give a settled ride, due to the 'rubber band' nature of the tyres.

The pull to the left is very usual on A2s, but big wheels will accentuate this.

The pull to the right on braking suggests a warped disc or some other braking fault.

I'd definitely get it checked out, but a dealer will charge around the £200 mark for a track and alignment!

Cheers,

Mike
 
Thanks Mike
Is it wise to visit Audi or would you suggest a local DIY (Kick Fit etc) or an Audi specialist? I have read most of the comments on the tracking and it seems to be one of thoese 'characteristics'. Who should I truct to carry out the work on breaks and tracking ect? Having read a little on this site it seems quite a few cars have had their anti-roll bar replaced.

One last question. The 1.4 engine is underpowered - sad but true. Its also a little unrefined. Is this everybodies experience of this engine?

Cheers again and thanks foo Mike for replying so quickly.
 
Without wanting to offend any 1.4 petrol owners, yes, the engine is underpowered and slightly unrefined, but that is only in comparision to the FSi and diesels.

With regard to the tracking/steering, if you have a good independant in your area (or VW specialist) then use them for cheapness sake.

The likes of Kwik Fit don't have the knowledge or skills to do anything but adjust the track rods.

Cheers,

Mike
 
I agree with Mike, you need a suspension centre that can carry out a full setup.

I found my rear axle had moved, a tyre fitter un asked did my tracking which when you consider they set up with a laser device these days front to back gave very weird steering, once axle was sorted all was fine, try a bodyshop, they usually have the correct gear and data to do the job.
Mike
 
Thanks for the advice. Maybe I have been a little too sensitive and demanding. I have driven over 100 miles since we ast conected and it feels fine; given our comments. However ( there is alway an however!) thbe steering wheel is ont central, its of by a few degress. what now you ask; what sweet hell is his. It does feel a little odd, particularlyon the motorway. Sorry guys :confused:
 
I reckon you have either a leaking left rear wheel cylinder or a siezed one, hence the pull to the right.

Checking immediately is required.
 
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