[Mk2] [Generic] Very minor steering play and noise (PAS)

[PeterRST]

Hi there,

today I noticed that theres a tiny amount of play in the steering of my Mk2 that is accompanied by a little "clunking" noise when moving the steering wheel left and right quickly around center with the car stationary.

I checked the inner end outer tie rod ends and the coupling in the frunk. The noise is definetly coming from the rack itself.

Now the play is well within the tolerances. Basically every little steering input is directly passed onto the wheels. When I grab the coupling in the frunk and turn it, the play seems about 1 mm or less. Actually I'd be happy if any of my other cars had that little play. It's just the noise that I'm worried about. I have no tramlining or other problems either.

Is it possible that this is mainly because there is no hydraulic oil pressure and therefore lubrication on it because the engine is off? I can't hear the noise with the engine running due to my exhaust...

Am I just paranoid or am I looking at a potential rebuild soon?

[Slarty]

I think, and this is just a thought, it may be down to the electro/hydraulic set up. My car "suffers" from this too.

If you quickly wiggle the steering wheel side to side a small amount you get the clunking noise.

I've replaced both inner track rod arms and there's no wear at all in the track rod ends so I'm putting it down to the above