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Like many of us, I'm aware that the steering can make graunchy noises on lock due to 4WD etc.

However, mine's taken to making mechanical noises when cold maneuvering - i.e. even with little lock. Goes off when hot.

The dealer has investigated and advised that this is a KNOWN ISSUE, although affecting few cars and not serious.

There is an official Audi fix which is to drain and replace the PS fluid with a thinner one. Currently on backorder from Germany, however, due in a week or so.

Thought I'd mention as some of us are approaching end of warranty and something to get done gratis if you've same issue before sand runs out of hourglass. Also so you don't get fobbed off with the "it's supposed to do that" line from less thorough dealers.

Wow. You posted the answer before I'd posted the question, as the last couple of cold mornings I've heard a groaning while manouevring.
Which dealer did you visit by the way?

Camberley - see my other post. 100% recommended.

Fluid is on back order for a week-ish.

My car is now booked in tomorrow for a quick Saturday morning investigation. I'll try not to sound like a know-it-all when they ask me what the problem is.

I had this recently. When I left for work in the morning the sound coming from the steering was similar to something touching the blades of a fan as they rotate.

By the time I got the dealers the noise had dissapeared but they still checked the car over and put a small amount of steering fluid in. The problem hasn't happened since.

Interesting observation from SJRS4 - this vehicle does seem very sensitive to CHF level. Worth checking everyone - probably not one we look at often enough. Don't expect it to go 'down' but you still seem to get some losses.

The word from the dealer I visited yesterday was that this is a common occurrence on RS4s. Level was down a touch, but no sign of a leak. They topped up the fluid (the standard one I expect) and asked me to bring it back in if it happens again.

Hmm, interesting. Will keep watch on this.

My car is currently having a steering rack replacement done under warranty. The steering was making noises and i was told this is a known fault requiring a full rack replacement which has so far taken 3 days. They've lent me an RS6 as a courtesy car, happy days!!!! I'm still not going to buy one though as i'm not willing to throw £25k away in 12 months in exchange for a silly grin every time i drive it!!
By the way the noise is different to the one the steering made at low speeds when my tyres were getting close to replacement time.

You get an RS6 for a steering rack replacement, I get a 1.9tdi A4 Avant for shocks, discs / pads and horn replacement!

Life is not fair!

I've got an idea they want to tempt me into buying one. Won't work though but i've had loads of fun. It helped that Audi cocked up and sent a recon steering rack and not a new one so i'll have had the RS6 for 4 days.

Life's a bitch!

Had my steering rack replaced three months ago...going back to my local dealer next week, as it may have the same problem again