MK2 Golf steering noise?

My MK2 golf has developed a graunching noise from somewhere in the steering/suspension.

It only happens when moving slowly or at a standstill and can be heard and felt through the steering wheel when about 2/3 of the way through lock to lock. Sound more like it is coming from the N/S. Gets worse when the weather is hot, so something must be expanding with the heat. Will not happen when the car is jack up or on a ramp with no weight on the front.

I've replaced the top strut mount on the N/S but the noise is still there.

Any suggestions would be great.

Now the golf has developed another noise which is even worse that the above.

Noticed it yesterday for the first time after travelling to up the A14/M6 to Drayton Manor and whilst slowly moving along in second gear on tickover there is a loud grinding noise coming from the front. Noise will disappear when accelerating but then reappear when decelerating but lightly feathering the throttle. Can also get the noise when decelerating in 3rd gear, again lightly feathering the throttle.

Noise sounds rotational and makes no difference if the clutch is pressed or not.

Also can happen in first gear just creeping along. but will always go when accelerating.

Car is lowered on 40mm Spax springs, one side seems to have dropped by about 5mm but not sure if this would have an effect.

Can be felt through the top strut on the driver side.

Any help please people??

Could possibly be the driveshaft joint? but to be honest it could be a lot of things, from your post you are in St Ives, i could come and have a look it you want?

red_MK2_ryder wrote:

Could possibly be the driveshaft joint? but to be honest it could be a lot of things, from your post you are in St Ives, i could come and have a look it you want?

Cheers for the offer but managed to sort the second noise out today. Turned out to be the o/s/f spring was knackered so I put the standard springs back on.

Thats good, glad its sorted, only resason i offered is that i am in St Ives myself, and always happy to help a fellow dubber