My 98.5 non-Q 1.8t wanders to the right side a bit, not much, but enough that I have to put constant pressure to the steering wheel on the freeway. I went to a Les Shwab(sp?) tire center to have an alignment, but the mechanic came back and told me their machine couldn't detect anything wrong with the steering. The steering is very tight, theres not much play in the wheel. I jacked up the car today to look for excessive play in the tires. So with the steering wheel locked(but no one holding it), I could move the tires an equal amount, about, oh, i'd say around 3 degrees. I noticed the steering wheel was moving some while i was rotating the tires so i looked at the right tire while moving the wheel as far as it would go with the column lock engaged and the tire hardly moved compared to what it did with me moving the tires by hand. I also noticed the driver tie-rod boot coming loose a bit, exposing the metal underneath.

The other problem i have which i think might be related is that I hear and feel a loud clunking sound coming from the brake pedal when turning hard left and applying the brake. If i already have the brakes applied, then ill hear a subtle "metal rubbing metal" sound. I don't hear this constantly.

Thanks for any help guys/gals,

 

Check the brake pads and make sure the callipers are bolted on correctly plus make sure the pads are not rubbing as it could be the calliper not releasing the disc so causing friction on one side.

Oh and check the ware on both discs to make sure it’s even.

 

If the tires move at all, then sounds like worn tie-rod ends. You should not be able to move either wheel at all. Replace, get an alignment, and that should solve your steering problem. It a DIY, except for the alignment.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

 

Docurley, where can I find a pic of your center display with the blue LED's??

 

The clunking may be a loose pad that is shifting in the carrier. I've had to put shims on my PBR pads to revent this.

 

My web page

 

I friggin' love the Blue LED's in the center console.
It looks awesome, in my opinion. I have the Moro Blue Pearl paint and this would be a nice touch to add to the car, but it seems like quite a bit of work.
Nicely done!!

(Pic for the lazy)

 

Yep it is a bit of a pig to do as you have to unsolder and re-solder all the SMD LED's, the AC took 2 hours on it's own to do.

 

Make sure tire air pressures are correct. Swap front wheels to see if it pulls the other way.