tester123

Hello fellow Audi fans,

It's been a while since I was here. And yes, that fuel bank 1&2 lean issue is still there (in case anyone of you following my thread[s])...

However, there is a newer, exciting trend with my car now. I am not entirely sure if this is a perception issue but, the steering is a bit "difficult" to turn especially in low speeds as in parking turns or local street turns.

I checked the fluid level (I forget at this moment, that G70 or mineral oil fluid) and the level is fine.

Never had changed it. Only thing done in the steering section is a outer tie rod replacement (torn boot). I checked all other boots (i.e. control arms and steering) and they all seem to be fine.

Is this a case of dying pump or something else can be checked?
Don't have the VAG-COM with me this week. Will check the codes and post when available.

Just Me

low fluid pressure would do this. I dont know the method for testing.

Gee, most people change relays to get higher effort - they dont complain :-)

devinsixtyseven

If this is on the 01 in your sig line, and your "never had changed it" means you had not (and still have not) changed the fluid, flush the system (it's easy) and let us know if the steering effort changes.

PS fluid has a 35-40K mile check interval, or so claims the BSM...

socalclimber

I have the same issue with my '02 4.2 w/ 80k miles, feels like it takes slightly more force to turn than it did before. I have changed fluid with Pentosin CHF 11S, cleaned reservoir and screen, with no improvement. I also have a high-pitched noise, barely perceptible, that seems to be coming from P/S pump at 1200-1800 RPM and when A/C is on. I also get some P/S pump cavitation sounds (sounds like it's running dry but fluid level is fine) when cold while turning at low speed like leaving a parking space.

I have checked and tightened suction-side clamps at P/S cooler near radiator left side, but maybe they are loose again? Suction-side leaks seem to be common.

I figure P/S pump is on its way out, but haven't had time to change it yet.