Steering problem - wobbly at high speeds?

[hansmoman]

Seems to be an issue with the steering on our 2005 Golf TDI / BEW. This is not a car I drive personally, however I took it out for a few test drives. At highway speeds the steering is "loose" -- almost as if the car is blown around in the wind. Turning the wheel just a hair results in a random uncontrollable / moderately large swerve -- it's almost too dangerous to drive at anything over 70mph. My first thought is the steering rack could be damaged, but I am not that knowledgeable about the steering/suspension system.

I had noticed that I needed to add a small amount of power steering fluid every time I changed the oil, however I could not find any noticeable leaks. As a long shot I tried doing the power steering bleed method by turning the steering wheel end to end repeatedly. No matter how much I did that air kept bubbling back up into the reservoir. Is that normal or might there be air being sucked in somewhere?

Everything I could see looked solid / sturdy with the car up on jack stands.

[Seatman]

With the car on the ground, in neutral and handbrake/e brake on, try pushing the front wheels back with your foot, the rear wishbone/lca bushes are notorious for having play and could be part of the issue and that seems like a good way of testing them in my experience.

[chittychittybangbang]

Yes, sounds more like a suspension issue, PS fluid is prob a separate issue. Also check tie rods in addition to the lower arm. Pushing the wheel while jacked up securely side-side up-down will reveal play.

[hansmoman]

Thanks for the pointer in the right direction -- I see there is even a FAQ for the bushing replacement. It does sound much more plausible that there's a suspension problem. I'll take a look at that ASAP!

[Frank M]

I had the exact same symptoms at around 200k.
the valving in my rack had worn.
I got a VW reman and it was fine after that. Check those bushings first. It does take much movement to get the reaction you are experiencing.