Thanks to those of you who suggested the problem might lie in one of the
three flexible couplings. The two underneath looked to be in proper
condition, but when I pulled back the boot at the base of the steering
column, I was horrified to find what was left of that coupling connected
only by a few strands of reinforcement line formerly embedded in the rubber!
Three of the four bolts were completely free of their mounting holes, and
the steering was only "catching" when the column rotated and balled the
disintegrated rubber up against the lower coupling bracket. When I unbolted
what was left, I got no piece out larger than 3/4" or so. And to think my
wife and I were on the highway at 70 mph as late as Friday evening...
Needless to say, I think Someone was watching over us.

I added the bit about the possible warning because I think something
specific might have precipitated the coupling's sudden failure. Less than
two months ago, I had a pretty good leak under the dash due to a failed
clutch master cylinder. I know from the list that this seems to be a common
trouble spot, and I'm wondering if the spilled brake fluid catalyzed the
failure of the rubber. If that's the case, I thought I'd give you guys a
heads-up (unless this was already common knowledge), and save you from what
might be a very nasty (not to mention potentially fatal) surprise. Thanks
again for the help!

Jon Joyce
'81 Transporter
'87 Scirocco 16V
'01 Jetta GLS VR6

"In the end she will surely know I wasn't born to follow..."

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