Help Needed Re: Power Steering

[BLITZEN]

My RS6 crapped the bed today with my wife driving. Symptoms she described are/were: Erratic rattling noise - don't know if it was tied to RPM's. Fluid out the bottom lined up with Steering Wheel. And steering became very difficult.

So, we went to the site of the event and found the fluid had leaked for a half mile from where she first started feeling something was up, to where she eventually came to rest. She doesn't really know when the rattling noise started 'cause she had the radio on nearly until she stopped.

1. Is it the Power Steering Pump?

2. If so, do we replace with rebuild OEM or new? And where is it located / How much should labor cost?

3. If it something other than the Power Steering Pump, then what is your best guess? Hose? If so, how would a split hose cause noise?

Anyway, I'm welcoming any advice and opinions. Thank You.

[stuartbarriskell]

Get rid of your wife !..

Sent from my SM-S918B using Tapatalk

[Felix2566]

I think you will either need to do a bit more investigation yourself as to what has actually happened, or take it to a garage to diagnose the issue.
Is there any fluid left in the reservoir, to confirm if the fluid lost was from the PS system.

[steve2003rs6]

Possible power steering hose.
Did she lose the power steering. Difficult to steer the car.
Did the pump “scream” through starvation of fluid ?
As above further investigation required.
Power steering reservoir empty????

[BLITZEN]

Thanks for your help.
Yes, the power steering is lost and the car steers like a tank.
No, the pump didn't scream.
Yes, the Power Steering Reservoir is empty.

P.S. Erratic rattling noise is gone. The engine runs smoothly.

[steve2003rs6]

I would be tempted to put some oil in the reservoir and see if you can determine where it is coming out.
It’s difficult as not much room in the engine bay.
Unless you have access to a ramp.