LightningMcQueen

I don't know what words best describe the sounds I'm getting. Let me try to describe it and perhaps some of you may know it.

The car is 2004 A4 wagon 3.0

The sound is most prominent when the weather is cold. Once the car warms up the sound dies out, but you can still kind of hear it.

Now there are two kinds of sounds... not sure if they are related or not.

Sound 1: loud croaking (grinding) sound
This happens when I'm turning the steering wheel, as if something needs to be lubricated. It's really loud but quiets down as the car warms up. I tried filling up the steering wheel fluid, but I don't think that is the problem. Any idea what this may be?

Sound 2: humming sound
This sound is a constant continuous "hmmmmmmmm" sound. When I'm in the car, it sounds like its coming from the back middle section of the car. Not sure if this is related to sound 1, but it also dies out as the car warms up.

Anyone with a 2004 A4 experiencing these noises?

Lazerous

You may want to check the pump and make sure the PS rack is good.

I had similar problems. Mine is an 02 3.0 but it's not avant.

GL.

LightningMcQueen

When you say "PS"... I guess you mean power steerng? If I can put up with the annoying sound, how critical is it to fix this? Can it lead to more serious problems if I don't fix this? I'm hearing this is gonna cost some serious cash.

captainsolo

i just got my '02 A4 3.0 sedan back from getting the timing belt replaced, when i took it in it didn't make the sound, but now it does, your description fits the noise perfectly, i'm sort of in the same boat wondering what to do