please help - audi a4 (2008) b8 power steering

attila_

Hi folks,

I'm at the end of a my tether on this one and would be grateful for any pointers.

I have an audi a4 2.0 tdi (b8) 2008. I believe its a hydraulic power steering as there is a pump running off the auxiliary.

Basically 2 years ago over the winter period it went stiff. Really stiff in fact that it was difficult to turn standing still. I left it for 1 week to go abroad when I came back it worked perfectly....

Fast forward 2 years later it started again, intermittent occurrence of the power steering going stiff. Sometimes I switch the engine off and on again and it would be back to normal.

This time round I take it to a garage, which I won't name. They call me saying that they think someone has put brake fluid into the power steering system! I said that's impossible as I have had it for 2 years and serviced it by a good garage. I asked how could a wrong fluid cause an intermittent problem but they could not answer.

They changed the fluid and the issue is the same.

They are now saying because of contamination I need a new pump, new rack, the whole thing replaced at £2,500! I asked them again how can they be sure that its an intermittent problem and it is down to the wrong hydraulic fluid. They basically said they can't guarantee so the only way is to change every component in the steering system. Absolutely appalling response and shows a lack of competency.

However I am now stuck with this issue which seems to reoccur a lot, the steering is stiff and I am struggling to know what to do.

Any pointers or help would be greatly appreciated!

ratrace

Sounds like you have taken it too some carboys who dont know what they are looking for and dont know how to diagnose a fault, and are happy to change parts in the hope they get a hit (afterall the customer has to foot the bill so they have nothing to lose)



most likey the power steering pump has failed and will need replacing, check the power steering fluid it should a redish colour if not that will need to be replaced regardless as it will be due but before you do that try looking at the power steering pipes to see if you can see any leaks it could be simple as a split pipe and the pump has run dry



it needs looking at proprly before chucking money at it



i had a bad pump on a ford fiesta van replaced it with a used one from a scrappy job done still worked fine when i sold it



money is hard to earn but easy to spend

attila_

Hi thanks for responding. I will have it looked at again from another garage. This lot are audi specialists though quite far away from me. Fustrating its so difficult to find a good, technically competent mechanic, i guess with people moving to newer and newer cars and leasing them, the era of owning and trying to look after a car well for 10+ years is a rare bread!!

AdrianC

It's not hard to change the fluid - just disconnect the return pipe to the tank (the one that goes to the top). Point it into a decent-size container, and start the engine. Let it idle until you get nothing else coming out. Then refill the tank, and run a few litres of PAS fluid through to give it all a really good clean-out. Turn the engine off, reconnect the hose, and refill the reservoir. Start it, and keep it topped up until it stops going down.

The chances are good that that'll resolve any issues if they're simply down to grotty fluid or a build-up of grot. If not, it's £20 and 20 minutes spent ruling out the cheap option.

NathanD10

Attila, can you shed any more light on this fault?

I have had a similar experience with my 2011 A4 Avant recently, again in very cold weather. Steering went stiff intermittently, more noticeable at lower speed sticking at 10 o'clock and 2 o,clock as you look at the steering wheel. As mentioned by other users I thought it may be an issue with the fluid so I flushed the old steering fluid out and replaced but I'm having the same problem. My next guess would be that the auxiliary belt may be slipping or that the pump is not functioning 100%

Just curious if your issue has been resolved and if so how?

AdrianC

Sounds more like a problem with one of the column UJs or the rack itself.

fred990

Done this on my 02 passat (fwd not quattro!) for similar reasons. If you've got the gear get the front up on axle stands, you can then check lock to lock for any mechanical issues. If you start the engine IN NEUTRAL! (it's up to you obviously) you can check the power assist side if you want.
Downside is the abs can throw up faults if the wheels turn slightly/slowly, gets confused being airborne! Easily cleared with vcds or similar.