maarp

Once my car is warmed up, I can hear/feel a buzz in the steering wheel when cornering. It's not noticable when cold.

One person has told me it's old power steering fluid (as far as I know, it's still original). I'm afraid it may be the rack or the power steering pump.

Ideas? 2000 1.8TQ tip

jschick

well, i would suggest to change the fluid. especially if their is any chance it may have the wrong stuff in it. did you ever take the car to a jiffy lube or similar place? they are known for topping off fluids and destroying Audi's!
anyway, even if it has the correct fluid, I would change it, it may be old or dirty, or it could be a pump going out, ether way fist step is to change fluid.

maarp

I had an indi who specializes in Audi/VW have a look at the steering last night. His conclusion was that it is either rack or pump, he couldn't tell.

So, I guess the question remains, how do I find out which it is? I really don't relish the thought of paying several hundred dollars on a guess.

jschick

well if it were me I would go hit the local salvage yard for a used pump, slap it on and in the process change fluid and see what happens. this will likely cost you a hr or 2 of your time and possibly up to $100. you don't want to start getting quotes on a steering rack! but start thinking about $1000-2500, unless you do it yourself. I just replaced the rack in my 99 A6, I bought the car because 2 local audi shops quoted the previous owner $1700 and 2400! I was lucky to find a used rack for $100 and did it myself. I figured for that price difference I would take the risk!

AudiMick

Have you checked your front suspension?

See if you still get the noise with the motor running and (no load) wheels off of the ground.

I had a bad tie rod on my A4 that seemed to cause my pump to make very strange noises when maneuvering. Too much stress on the pump and rack.

Replaced it and flushed the fluid and problem went away.

maarp

Had the fluid flushed yesterday, we'll see how that goes. No noise this morning on the way to work.

pao312

any update on this? im having the same problem with mine...

maarp

It's been a few months, and still no noise. Don't think I'll be going back to the "expert" any time soon....

pao312

wow that's it just a flush? no leaks or air bubbles? you're lucky. i ordered a used reservoir online, ill flush my ps system when i install it. hopefully there will be and improvement. thanks for replyin to an old thread.