first.octopus

When turning the steering wheel all the way to left or right at a very slow speed (such as a U turn), I can hear a very loud groan noise.

Does anyone know what the issue is?

SchwarzS6

I get a similar noise which is vibration of the brake pads. There is a TSB02003273 which I believe covers this. I had the TSB done and it helped for a while but the noise is back, only when I am near full left lock and going slowly. It is not damaging, just annoying so I have decided to ignore it.

haloguy628

If the groaning comes from the engine bay then I would check the power steering fluid level and any leaks from the steering rack.

If it's grinding, slightly jerking and coming from the suspension then it's the AWD system and it's fairly normal.

lucio_liu

I heard ALL "quattro" has the same issue. just more or less. when you turning the steering wheel all the way to one side the wheel trace difference is maxium.

royclark

When did you last change your power steering fluid ?
http://www.blauparts.com/audi/audi_f...ig004000chf202

newa6er

if you are not moving and it's groaning it's the power steering, mine leaks and needs to be topped off every 2 years

if you only feel the groan when moving then it's quattro steer coming from the center differential, you can change the fluid but it will return in a year or two, quattro steer is normal for these cars

Cobra357

I've the same problem but I was told it the Shock tower bearing, the groaning sound is the springs turning because the bearing is no longer good. It don't hurt to check it out and that part cost $220 each.

ajg617

I've had the same noise in my 03 and my wife's 05. In the 03, I had the power steering system flushed but ended up having to change the pump. In the 05, it was more insidious. The low pressure hose had hardened and had hairline cracks which didn't leak fluid but sucked in air so the pump was always trying to pump air and fluid causing the groan. Hoses replaced, added new fluid, problem gone. Just my .02
AJG