88 s4 vert non tilt steering column.
just recently have got this weird klunking noise that is coming from steering column and I cant figure out what the hell it is.
Ive checked all the joints that run down the column shaft towards the rack and pinion, but it's nothing in the engine compartment. The noise is coming from around the plastic cover that covers the ignition.

it makes a nasty klunking sound and seems to get worse the more it does it.

I have two other columns, one tilt out of a coupe s5 and one non tilt out ot a gtu s4 but I cant seem to figure out how to get the ignition off.
there's no screws that I can see.

help me out guys.

 

Have you checked where the column bolts to the dash frame?

 

I checked one spot where it bolts down. it was good.
It sounds like it's coming from right where the steering wheel meets the column or around the plastic cover area.

 

It may sound like it's coming from there, but sound has a nasty habit of traveling a lot in steering components.

Try looking further out, like tie rod ends, etc.

 

I have new tie rod ends and a new rack. lol Im baffled

 

I looked at the non tilt steering column that I have already out of the car and I cant see where it would be coming from on the column shaft. the non tilts seem to be a solid shaft.

 

Have you already pulled all your plastics off in the car? If not, do that, then you could try using a mechanics stethoscope to hunt around.

 

you know it might be my rack. Its new but it blew the seals right when I was filling it up and drained all the fluid out.
I just pulled the belt off and have been crusing it around dry with no fluid so maybe it could be that.
Im just hearing and feeling the loud klunks around the area I explained earlier.
and I havent pulled the plastic.
Im needed to pull that rack off and send It back anyway. so I pull it off and see if the column still klunks when I trn the wheeln

so how do you pull the ignition off?

 

I don't have access to my FSM right now, but I'd imagine you have to grind off a plastic or aluminum piece to punch out the retaining pin...or it may just have "theft proof" bolts that you just use vice grips to pull out (on the bottom). The pin is usually on the top of the column. Sorry I can't be more help with that one.

 

no its all good man.
I just dont see any bolts or screws.

 

there are two "dead screws" holding it in...they'll look like headless bolts...you have to cut groove in them or chisel a groove in them and use a flat head to get them out. They're there, I assure you.

 

You just replaced the rack?
If so, try this...

-Jack up front so wheels are free to spin
We'll assume your rack mount bushes/brackets are in good shape...
-Loosen the rack mount brackets- enough that the rack can be rotated
-Turn the wheels lock-to-lock (slowly) a few times
-Retighten the brackets
-Lock-to-lock again, see what happens

What you're doing is getting the u-joints and rack "normalized" (poor choice of word but ****, it's early...) to eliminate any binding in the joints.

It should be easy to tell if it's coming from the tierods, etc. at the same time.

Once you're certain the problem is at the steering wheel end, I don't know...there ain't that much going on up there that can make noise.
Maybe the turn signal/wheel position sensor?

 

yeah feel kinda stupid.
the pintch bolt was loose, the upper one just after the first u joint from the fire wall.
It was slipping on the splines on the shaft! Big mistake!
I swore I tighten that bolt after installing the rack.

could have been BAD SITUATION!

 

At least it's sorted out now.

 

ok you talking these bolts right?
they almost look like there molded in with the metal bracket.

 

Thats them