>
> > Hi!
> >
> > I would like to know, if there are anybody with the same problem. My
> > car (Audi A3 (driven 167000km)) has some free play on the steering
> > wheel. It can be felt all the time (motor running or not, speed 0 or
> > 100, steering centered or fully turned to either way). The play is
> > about 4mm on the steering wheel, and it really disturbs driving on
> > gusty weather and groovy roads.
> >
> > I have also driven other cars with the same undercarriage (VW Golf IV,
> > VW Bora) and I found them to have some play too, but somewhat less
> > than mine. The dealer said, that it could be the joint on the steering
> > axle. I haven't yet checked that, but my guess would be a worn-out > > steering gear.
> >
> > Any info on the subject would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Not sure if the later models are the same, but on my early '80s VWs, there
> is an adjuster screw on the back side of the steering rack. You move the
> rack out, loosen the lock nut and tighten the screw to take up the play.
> Worked well on my '81, steering felt like new.
I have heard a rumor that the steering rack would be adjustable, but both the dealers I have asked this week told that its not! I heard also that the workshop manual would contain instructions for the adjustment. Unfortunately I have no access to this manual.
I checked the steering axle joints (in steering column), but found them to be intact. So the play seems to be in the rack...