VW Bora Steering Issues Point to Faulty Angle Sensor

Had similar issues with my VW Golf (2001, 2.0L gasoline). The symptoms matched exactly, hard steering, wheel vibration, and ESP warning lights. Originally thought it was a wheel alignment problem, but diagnostic tests revealed a faulty steering angle sensor. The steering sensor communicates with the ESP system to maintain vehicle stability. When it fails, it causes erratic steering behavior and triggers warning lights. The sensor replacement took about 2 hours at the workshop, including calibration and coding of the new unit. This is actually a serious issue since the steering sensor affects multiple safety systems. Ignoring it can lead to complete ESP system failure and unpredictable steering response. After replacement and proper calibration of the steering column sensor, all symptoms disappeared immediately. Before changing the sensor, the workshop confirmed the diagnosis by checking error codes and testing the steering angle readings. This ruled out other potential causes like wheel bearings or alignment issues. Best to have it properly diagnosed with a VW-specific diagnostic tool to confirm the sensor failure before proceeding with repairs.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Mine got fixed about 3 months ago and the steering angle sensor replacement completely solved the issues. The traction control and ESP warning lights have not come back since. Curious how much you ended up paying for the repair? In my case the total cost included recalibration of the new sensor and some diagnostic work. Also wondering if you have had any other steering-related problems pop up since the fix? The peace of mind from having proper steering control was definitely worth the repair cost in my case. These sensor issues can really affect vehicle handling if left unchecked.

Glad to hear you got it sorted out. The total repair for my steering angle sensor came to 195€, which covered the coding and calibration work. The electronic stability and traction control systems have worked flawlessly since the fix, no warning lights or steering problems in the past year. The steering column feels much more responsive now, and the erratic behavior completely disappeared. My mechanic explained that these angle sensor failures are fairly common on VW models from that era. Getting it fixed early likely prevented more extensive damage to the electronic stability system. One tip, the mechanic recommended regular diagnostic checks of the sensor readings during annual maintenance to catch any early signs of sensor drift or failure. This preventive approach helps avoid sudden steering issues developing while driving. No other steering-related problems have emerged since the repair. The handling remains precise and the steering effort is consistent, just as it should be. Definitely agree that addressing sensor failure promptly is crucial for safety and peace of mind.

The issue got resolved few weeks back when I visited my regular mechanic. Initially hesitant about the sensor replacement cost, I decided to get a proper diagnosis done. The mechanic confirmed the steering angle sensor failure through detailed diagnostic testing, which explained both the steering problems and warning lights. The repair took about 2.5 hours total, setting me back 280€ including parts and labor. The mechanic had to calibrate the new sensor and run several tests to ensure proper communication with the traction control system. While at first this seemed expensive, the improvement in handling and steering response was immediate and significant. The wheel alignment was also checked during the repair, but it turned out the alignment problems were actually symptoms of the faulty sensor rather than a separate issue. Since the fix, the stability warning light hasnt appeared once and the steering feels smooth and responsive again. Three weeks after the repair, I can say it was definitely worth the investment. The car handles like new, with no more steering shake or resistance. Waiting longer could have led to more serious stability control issues down the line.