[Vwdiesel] groaning sound coming from my steering rack when moving slow or in parking lot.

[Bryan Belman]

I know, most likely the steering rack is the issue.  150K, 04 Golf, A4 tiptronic.
so, it does not leak fluid, fluid level is OK, I have no idea if the fluid was ever changed, I do not thing so.
I saw a posting to have someone turn the wheel back and forth with the car stationary and I should look in the reservoir for bubbles or dropping fluid level when the rack is moving.  I have not done that yet.
My fluid level is spot on, I have not had to add fluid in the past 3 years that I have owned the car, no drips.
but for sure, the rack is what is making the noise, maybe it is not the rack but the power steering pump.
I changed that on my 92 Eco Diesel and it was not cheap, so on an A4, I bet it is even more expensive, so no guessing here.
thoughts.....
better ways to diagnose.
 thanks in advance.


 Bryan Belman, Pt. Pleasant, NJ 04 Jetta Wagon TDI PD BEW, 100hp, 5sp -- running :<) 04 Golf TDI PD BEW, 100hp, 5sp Tiptronic Auto -- running :<) 82 Diesel Westy 1.9NA 1Y -- running :<) 70 Type 1 Beetle -- Under Restoration forever:-)