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Fri Sep 05, 2025 9:21 am

When I first start my vanagon in the morning and turn the steering wheel I hear a fairly loud clunk. Is this related to the steering column bushing, and if so, someone suggested silicone spray as as temporary fix. Not even sure where the bushing is. Any suggestions appreciated.

Fri Sep 05, 2025 9:37 am

Manual steering, VW power steering or electrically assisted?

Fri Sep 05, 2025 10:29 am

If it's PS, the cardan joint is probably bad but you'll have to be 2 to inspect.

Fri Sep 05, 2025 10:38 am

ALIKA T3 wrote: If it's PS, the cardan joint is probably bad but you'll have to be 2 to inspect.

Does the steering wheel have up and down movement? The top column bearing can partially fail. The plastic between the shaft and the inner bearing race disintegrates. Here is a repair part that you can tap into place after you remove the steering wheel. Very common repair.

https://www2.cip1.com/vwc-111-953-535-d/

Fri Sep 05, 2025 11:43 am

MarkWard wrote: ALIKA T3 wrote: If it's PS, the cardan joint is probably bad but you'll have to be 2 to inspect.

Does the steering wheel have up and down movement? The top column bearing can partially fail. The plastic between the shaft and the inner bearing race disintegrates. Here is a repair part that you can tap into place after you remove the steering wheel. Very common repair.

https://www2.cip1.com/vwc-111-953-535-d/

Oh shit, they have it back in stock, woohoo, it's been out for a year!
I always stock up on these at the shop, much better than the plastic crap they make.

Fri Sep 05, 2025 11:50 am

fxr wrote: Manual steering, VW power steering or electrically assisted?

It is manual steering. There is no vertical movement (up or down) on the steering column.

Fri Sep 05, 2025 11:55 am

netforest wrote: fxr wrote: Manual steering, VW power steering or electrically assisted?

It is manual steering. There is no vertical movement (up or down) on the steering column.

If it's manual steering, check your rubber donuts, spline engagements, lift the wheels and check axial play in the tie rods by moving the wheel 9 to 3 o'clock.