Even though the steering wheel is straight, the car …… wobble or pull left and right.
Still, the warning light does not turn on. This symptom of “only discomfort” is one of the causes of poor EPS (electric power steering) correction that is sometimes seen in VW vehicles.
EPS automatically makes minor steering corrections to stabilize the direction of the car’s travel, but if the correction does not work properly, the straightness will be disrupted and the wobble will become noticeable.
In this article, we will explain in detail the characteristics and causes of EPS correction defects that occur without warning lights, DIY checkpoints, and estimated repair costs.
▼Driving problem diagnosis guide▼
👉Comprehensive summary of causes of poor running
- Common symptoms
- There are four main causes (by structure)
- Cause (1): EPS learning value misalignment (correction does not match and goes straight forward)
- Cause (2): Steering angle sensor (G85) misalignment/malfunction
- Cause (3): Tie rod/rack end rattle (mechanical side)
- Cause (4): Compound with poor alignment
- Points that can be checked in DIY
- Is it okay to drive? (Urgency)
- Approximate repair cost
- Related parts to check at the same time
- Conclusion
- What to read next
- Defect details by vehicle type
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common symptoms
- Handle too light/too heavy
- Easy to lean to the left and right when going straight
- The center does not settle down even when the steering wheel is turned back
- Wobble at high speeds and become vulnerable to wind
- Easy to get caught in ruts on the road surface
- The warning light is often not turned on and there is no abnormal noise.
There are four main causes (by structure)
- EPS learning value misalignment (correction value does not match)
- Steering angle sensor (G85) misalignment/malfunction
- Tie rod rack end rattle (mechanical source)
- Combined symptoms with poor alignment
Cause (1): EPS learning value misalignment (correction does not match and goes straight forward)
When does it happen?
- After battery replacement
- After turning the handle wide while the power is off,
- After changing tires and undercarriage maintenance
Why do I have that symptom?
EPS has the function of “automatic correction” of the center of the steering wheel and the orientation of the tires.
However, if the learning value is off,
the correction may not work correctly, and the handle may be pulled slightly from side to side.
It is difficult to notice because the warning light does not turn on.
What happens if left unattended?
- You will need a correction rudder all the time
- Wobbly becomes stronger at high speeds
- Increased driving fatigue
Cause (2): Steering angle sensor (G85) misalignment/malfunction
When does it happen?
- The center does not fit when going straight
- Move left and right at high speed
- It doesn’t bother me much at low speeds
Why do I have that symptom?
The G85 is an important sensor that detects how much the steering wheel has been turned.
When a misalignment occurs, the EPS corrects incorrectly, causing
symptoms such as the steering wheel center not being stable or coming straight.
What happens if left unattended?
- Straightness worsens
- Affects other controls (ESP/ACC)
- Uneven wear progresses
Cause (3): Tie rod/rack end rattle (mechanical side)
When does it happen?
- “Koto” and “click” in the turn
- The steering response is weak
- The car tends to flow from side to side
Why do I have that symptom?
If the joints that transmit steering movements to the tires deteriorate,
even if EPS tries to compensate, it will be “physically delayed” and straightness will be lost.
Symptoms that are easily confused with EPS abnormalities.
What happens if left unattended?
- The steering wheel becomes completely restless
- Risk of joint dislodging
- Very dangerous at high speeds
Cause (4): Compound with poor alignment
When does it happen?
- After changing tires
- After overcoming the bumps strongly
- I feel a slight misalignment when going straight
Why do I have that symptom?
If the alignment is out of alignment, the EPS will be in a state of “constant correction”, and
it will appear as a wobble when the correction width exceeds the limit.
What happens if left unattended?
- Uneven wear and chipping
- Increased EPS load
- Wobble a lot at high speeds
Points that can be checked in DIY
- Align air pressure on the left and right sides
- Check the steering wheel center on a flat road surface
- Does the steering wheel move on its own at idle?
- How symptoms change between slow → high speed
- Are there any error codes (check if there is OBD2)
*EPS-related is difficult to make DIY judgments, so if there is any abnormality, check it as soon as possible.
Is it okay to drive? (Urgency)
- Can run for a while: Slight learning value deviation (can run while compensating)
- There is a risk of worsening symptoms: G85 misalignment, slight rattling
- Driving NG (towing recommended): Large rattles, symptoms of loss of control at high speeds, extremely poor return of the steering wheel
When a driving problem occurs, it may be necessary to tow the truck depending on the situation.
In these cases, it may be covered by road assistance or riders of automobile insurance, so it is safe to lightly review the contents of your current contract.
If you may not have a proper understanding of the coverage, you can use a comparison service to check the coverage details and premiums of multiple companies at once. Since you can get a complete picture in a short time, many people use it for repairs and inspections.
👉 Free Car Insurance Bulk Quote Service
Approximate repair cost
| Work Description | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| EPS Learning Value Reset | 5,000 to 12,000 yen |
| G85 Steering Angle Adjustment | 8,000 to 18,000 yen |
| Tie Rod End Replacement | 15,000 to 30,000 yen |
| Rack End Replacement | 20,000 to 40,000 yen |
| Alignment Adjustment | 10,000 to 18,000 yen |
| Diagnosis fee | 5,000 to 10,000 yen |
You can scroll
*If the cause can be identified, there are many cases where it can be cured with light work.
👉Summary of maintenance and custom costs & working days of VW specialty store Nile Plus
Related parts to check at the same time
- Tie Rod/Rack End
- Lower Arm Bushing
- Shock absorbers
- Stabilize Link
- Wheel Balance
- Alignment Angle
▼List of individual pages about undercarriage repair and maintenance▼
Conclusion
If EPS correction does not work, the main causes are misalignment of learning values, defective angle sensors, rattling of tie rods, and misalignment.
It is characterized by poor driving without a warning light, and the higher the speed, the stronger the symptoms.
If left unattended, uneven wear and wobbly will worsen and safety will decrease, so it is important to perform EPS-related diagnostics and undercarriage inspections as soon as possible.
Even if the symptoms are similar, the causes vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Even if there are similar abnormal noises and malfunctions, there are various causes such as turbo belts and sensors.
If you are unsure, it is safe to have it inspected at a maintenance shop without overdoing it.
What to read next
Please proceed to the article below that best describes your symptoms.
- Steering Wheel Jerks on Bumps? How to Diagnose Undercarriage Rattles and Play
- Steering Wheel Flutter at High Speed: Causes and Loss of Straight-Line Stability
- Steering Wheel Pulls to One Side: Alignment vs Tire Issues and How to Tell
- Car Pulled by Road Surface Bumps? Causes of Tramlining in VW and How to Fix It
- Why Won’t My Car Drive Straight and Why Is It Making Noise? Common Causes Explained
- Causes of increased steering play|If you feel “rattling” on the steering wheel
- Why Doesn’t My Car Track Straight After New Tires? Alignment and Setup Issues Explained
- Car Won’t Track Straight? Symptoms of Worn Undercarriage Bushings and How to Tell
- Why Doesn’t EPS Correct Steering? Straight-Line Instability in VW Without a Warning Light
- Car Feels Floaty or Unstable? Causes of Suspension Failure and Shock Wear Symptoms
Defect details by vehicle type
Although the “way of getting out” the defect is similar, “which model has many problems” is slightly different for each car model.
Trends by vehicle model and common breakdown cases among other owners are summarized on the following page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. If the EPS correction does not work, will the warning light always come on?
Nope. In the case of EPS learning value deviation or slight deviation of the G85 sensor, there are many cases where only the straight-line failure continues without a warning light. This is a pattern that is especially likely to occur in VW.
Q2. Is the symptom of not running straight caused by EPS or alignment?
Both are the causes. In some cases, EPS correction alone cannot be cured, and there are many cases where it occurs in combination with poor alignment, so both need to be checked.
Q3. Can I reset the EPS learning value by DIY?
Basically, DIY is not possible because a dedicated tester (diagnostic machine) is required. However, you can gather judgment materials by checking the air pressure and steering wheel center in advance.
Q4. Is it okay to drive as it is if the EPS is not good?
If the learning value is off, you can run temporarily, but your symptoms may worsen. If the tie rod is caused by a rattle, it is not recommended to drive because it is related to safety.
Q5. Why did the straightness deteriorate after the battery was replaced?
The power supply interruption may reset the learning value of the EPS and the correction may not be corrected. In this case, it is often improved by resetting the learning value.
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