mpalumbo

Is there a way to tighten the steering wheel back up to stock? Without going to the dealer.

matthew

allroaddave

You didn't give near enough information here, is your wheel loose on the shaft? Did you have it off? Is the airbag off? what are the circimstances behind your question and we can help you better....

mpalumbo

oh sorry i kind of assumed you guys would figure it was stock and alot of miles.

it is stock i havent touched it, so normal aging. it has about 130,000 miles on it. its an 03. the steering is fine. other than just being a little less tight than we want. the airbag is on i would assume. and i never had it off. the power steering fluid is fine too.

matthew

thejulex

There is really nothing that can get loose between steering wheel and rack and pinion so most likely what you're experiencing are worn out tie rod ends, the part that connects steering rod to actual wheel hub. The knuckle join gets loose at causes slack in steering.

mpalumbo

that makes sense, it did seem a little worn. any recommendation as to where to get ones? again other than the dealer?\\

matthew

Dutch UrQ

Also have a look at the upper suspension links. I had one that developed a "loose" spot going straight ahead. Tie-rods ended up being fine, but the play in the upper suspension links would caused some free-play.

Eric

thejulex

Plenty of places. For genuine parts try:
genuinevwaudiparts.com

For aftermarket/OE:
034motorsport.com
jhmotorsports.com
ecstuning.com
partsgeek.com

PRAllroad

The steering rack has some adjustment to take care of center play. The adjustment will bring the pinion closer to the rack, eliminating some play and noise. Do not overtighten for the steering wheel will lock while turning.

Dutch UrQ

How do you adjust the rack in this case? My pinion has developed some play against the rack. Thanks

09mehashaw

You could pull the 618 relay: I believe that's the one.