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2003 Polo Steering wheel juddering
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 9:42 am
by Che
Hi all - long time Polo owner and reader of the forum- but only just joined to ask a question...
2003 Polo with steering wheel judder.
Happens at all speeds, hands off the wheel and it's a visible left/right back and forth. You can feel it through hands all the time and it's irritating.
Wheel is slightly off-center when 'at rest''.
Tracking/balancing and news tyres recently and still there, and has been for a number of years. Only thing keeping me sane was that I don't drive it all the time as I have another car.
Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks
Re: 2003 Polo Steering wheel juddering
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 8:30 am
by littlepolo
Was the steering wheel previously off centre at rest? Mine is slightly off centre as it needs to be moved one spline on the mount.
You did not mention the mileage or service history (dampers, bushes, etc.)
It sounds like something is loose or broken. You didn't mention if the steering was pulling either way.
Possible culprits are: console bushes, strut top bearing, broken spring.
It could also be other loose or worn components (steering gear/track rods, etc).
Visual inspection under needed.
Re: 2003 Polo Steering wheel juddering
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 9:23 pm
by Che
littlepolo wrote: Wed Jun 04, 2025 8:30 am
Was the steering wheel previously off centre at rest? Mine is slightly off centre as it needs to be moved one spline on the mount.
You did not mention the mileage or service history (dampers, bushes, etc.)
It sounds like something is loose or broken. You didn't mention if the steering was pulling either way.
Possible culprits are: console bushes, strut top bearing, broken spring.
It could also be other loose or worn components (steering gear/track rods, etc).
Visual inspection under needed.
Thanks for reply - it's only done 65k miles and had a patchy service history. Last MOT said 'hydraulic leak, but not excessive power steering', but I am fairly certain it's been doing it for a few years.
I think it's one for the local garage to have a look at but thanks for those pointers @littlepolo
Re: 2003 Polo Steering wheel juddering
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 10:00 am
by littlepolo
It's easy to check the power steering fluid level in the reservoir behind/below the front n/s headlamp.
Re: 2003 Polo Steering wheel juddering
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 6:20 pm
by Che
Many thanks