200TDi Suddenly developed notchy steering

[Plutei]

So yesterday while doing a three point turn my steering very suddenly got notchy. Approximately every 180 degrees that I turn the wheel (at 9 and 3 or maybe 10 and 2) there is a moment of stiffness. There was no ongoing issue or warning or build up to this happening, just immediately got notchy during a short drive.

I've bathed the steering column universal joints in INOX which may have helped very slightly but I think I'm just getting accustomed to it. I've checked the steering fluid, no leaks, and the level rises up and down when I turn the wheel. With the front wheels jacked up and the engine off the notchyness is still slightly present every 180 degrees but far reduced.

Even though lubing the UJs didn't help I'm presuming one of them is the culprit. Before I order a new set is there something something else that I should check?

[dullbird]

What about checking the ball joints on the steering arm

[bee utey]

The best way to loosen seized steering universal joints is to remove them from the vehicle and put them in a pan of engine oil. Heat the oil gently on a stove to around 120C, then let it cool overnight. This seems to dissolve the crud build up inside the roller cups.

[Plutei]

So in the end it was the UJ on the steering box end.


The best way to loosen seized steering universal joints is to remove them from the vehicle and put them in a pan of engine oil. Heat the oil gently on a stove to around 120C, then let it cool overnight. This seems to dissolve the crud build up inside the roller cups.

It was so seized that I couldn't even move it with a hammer so I bought a new one.


What about checking the ball joints on the steering arm

Wasn't the ball joints but when looking for the problem I did notice that most of the steering slack seems to be in the ball joints; they're fairly wobbly, so those are definitely going to get replaced.

Thanks for the tips.