Newbie With A Relay

[twigster]

hi all ,new to the forum had citroen vans for some time now on and off never really had any problems other than the normal worn out items suspension etc.i come to you today with a steering related problem that i seem to be unable to find an answer for ! ok whilst driving ,if i have the steering wheel in the central going straight position and then slightly turn  the steering wheel left and right within a very small turning range a couple of inches either way i feel a step or a notch it feels to me like play in the front wheels like they are wobbling side to side at no other time do i get this feeling in the steering i.e full lock or any other time just with very small movements i also feel when i have made a turn that i get a similar feeling when the steering wheel is returning to the center position ,i have been to the local garage he changed something which looked like a bearing on the l/h/ side which he said sits above the suspension looked like a spacer he also said he centralised all the steering and that i had a very small amout of play in a bottom joint something to do with the mcpherson strutt but it was not bad he then said he checked the steering alignment again .i have also rotated the tyres even bought some different ones and its still the same now the mechanic is saying get a rack but i feel he is guessing i am looking for any and all advice but i am going to try another mechanic next week as the mot is soon due its and 05 realy 2.0 tdi all in all a good little van with 6 seats i love it ..this problem is there hot or cold there is no noises from anywhere no leak oil is good it was not like this when i bought it, its done 138000 kms and runs sweet thanks for taking the time to read this i appreciate it 

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

I would be tempted to wait for the MOT and if it fails on the steering you will be told why and if the garage does repairs, the cost to fix it. You may be better using a Citroen dealer who should be familiar with your vehicle, this also applies if you go for your second opinion.

 

A quick look to see if there is any wear is to wobble the steering wheel and see if the front wheels start to move straight away - if not then there could be wear within the rack, the track rod ends, the rack mountings, the steering column joints. Also see if the steering lock works ok, the wheel bolts and hub bolts are tight.

 

If you have a helper, get them to wobble the steering wheel whilst you put a hand around the various joints and see if there is any play felt. If the steering wheel itself can be wobbled about there could be play in its bearings/bushes or the retaining nut could be loose. Also there may be a sliding splined joint in the steering column which could need greasing or be worn - I vaguely remember having this on a Saab once and some grease made it smooth again.

 

Other suspension possibilities could be front strut top bearings and any ball joints on them and wheel bearings and cv joints. You could try with each front wheel jacked up and see if it makes a diiference. Also check the front tyres for uneven wear which may indicate a problem.