Groans from Power Steering - Advice Please

[rjpatrick]

Does anyone have any ideas about groaning power steering?

Symptom is that when turning on approx 1/2 lock to the right the steering groans, not all the time but often enough to have me worried.

Car is under warranty (just) 03 Standard RS6, 38k miles.

Now at Audi (Amersham) for the second time - first time couldn't decide whether to replace steering rack or pump and opted for pump as seemed quicker (and no doubt cheaper option) - didn't fix the problem though.

Thought I had read something about this before but can't find it now and Audi don't seem to know. Amesham currently talking to Audi central for advice.

Look forward to hearing from you all.

Thanks

rjp

03 RS6 Black Outside + Black Inside

[SteveH]

Here: http://rs246.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB ... ic&t=53808

[DrB]

Mine groaned like that. Took it to Audi - they stated it just needed lubricated. It now no longer groans!

[mwcltd]

I have had this problem for about a year. The first time I reported it they found that the power steering fluid was at half level. The noise went away for a while and is now back again typically occuring when I am moving slowly and I turn to the right slowly.

I have reported this to the garage and the next step is the power steering pump as it is easier to replace than the rack.

[rjpatrick]

I have had this problem for about a year. The first time I reported it they found that the power steering fluid was at half level. The noise went away for a while and is now back again typically occuring when I am moving slowly and I turn to the right slowly.

I have reported this to the garage and the next step is the power steering pump as it is easier to replace than the rack.

These are exactly my symptoms - now I have a new pump so expect it won't help you either. Keep in touch - Amersham now talking to Audi Central (very....very ..... slowly) I'll be calling them tomorrow to see if they have made their minds up.
Still hoping they'll lend me something nicer - correction as nice (S8/New RS4) while they think about it.

Watch out for update.

rjp

[SteveH]

Still hoping they'll lend me something nicer - correction as nice (S8/New RS4) while they think about it.

Don't rate your chances on that one, I even ended up with a Volvo at one stage whilst my suspension was on back order!

[rs666]

I have reported this to the garage and the next step is the power steering pump as it is easier to replace than the rack.

Off topic.....mwcltd can you check your private messages please I am trying to send you your RS6 keyfob look at linkee towards top right next to Profile link ta

[fenny123]

Had the same issue; steering pump was replaced; all fine now.
Told that the fluid was not circulating properly in it.

[rjpatrick]

At last Audi have agreed that steering rack is covered by warranty - in on Monday (for the week) to have it changed - let's hope it makes a difference!

rjp


03 RS6 Black Outside + Black Inside

[rjpatrick]

[quote="rjpatrick"]At last Audi have agreed that steering rack is covered by warranty - in on Monday (for the week) to have it changed....

Well that was an interesting week, went in on 26th June, finally got complete car back on 2nd August.

Have new steering rack - groaning almost eliminated.

Have new driver's door - conflict between door and some part of Audi lifting gear (described as a scratch) - until new door didn't fit properly. Door top trim on back order. Interesting steering clunking also installed.

Finally all fixed yesterday, clunking is misaligned arm, trim fitted, overspray removed.

At least it was warranty!

Let's see how long it takes for the groaning to get going again.

rjp

03 RS6 Black+Black

[SteveH]

Have new driver's door - conflict between door and some part of Audi lifting gear (described as a scratch)...

Thats one hell of a scratch to need a new door!

[fenny123]

Interesting... my pump was replaced to stock a groan (further up this thread) It now does the same again.... Surely I dont need a rack as well !!! ????

Has it fixed it ??????

[installer69]

Mine has done this for 34,000 miles, not all the time, and never when at the dealers or on a road test!!
My warranty is up in 5 months.
I think it is more likely to happen when pulling away at low speed from a junction. Strangely, mine only seems to happen going right. Also in a multistorey carpark going up it did it a couple of times.
Of course, Audi have never heard of it which brings me back to my suggestion for an owners' problem log.

[rjpatrick]

Hi Installer and Fenny

I had the pump replaced a while back - didn't fix the groan at all.

Installer - you describe the symptoms perfectly (pulling away, turning right, haven't tried a multistorey yet), this is what mine (with the new pump, rack and door ) now does.

Essentially I have given up as the rate of damage is higher than the rate of fixing.

Replacing the rack has improved the problem - it is still there but now at an undemonstrably low level. Annoying - probably the equivalent of a water hammer and just needs a clip at the correct position on a hose - if they knew what to do could probably save themselves thousands.

Let me know how you get on - if you get it fixed etc.

rjp

03 RS6 Black/Black (and that's just my mood - no really it still drives well )

[marmite]

Sorry to bring this up but mine has the same noise
I suspect it is the restrictor in the pas pipe that is faulty
Going in tom for it all to be sorted
DRC, BUckled wheels and groan from the steering, If they want to throw all major parts of the steering at the car I don't mind if warranty cover it