kgd_007

Lately I have noticed a noise in the car when I turn the wheel. Anything more than about 1/8 turn makes the noise. It sounds kind of like the sound effects of a robot moving an arm. I am guessing this has some thing to do with the power steering.

Anyone know what might cause this?

Low steering fluid? If so, what would cause low fluid? Normal or something they will need to fix.

Does it need to be dealt with immediately or next time I get to the dealer?

Car is a 2008 S8 (US) with about 26,000 miles. About a year of factory warranty left plus the CPO.

Thanks.

Kris

tenspeed

Checking your fluid is easy. Refill it if it's low. If it's making noise, it needs fluid ASAP - don't wait to take it to a dealer.

Find out where the fluid is going later. It's usually a hose or seal.

nischal

2008 S8 here too, had a similar noise and it turned out to be low power steering fluid. Apparently it is not unusual for there to be some consumption of the fluid that Audi uses.

Unfortunately the power steering fluid level cannot be checked easily on the V10. The reservoir is located beneath many components and is technically a dealer service item. I found this amazing, but true. I had the fluid filled under warranty, which solved the problem, but I was told that it would be 1 hr labor to do it out of warranty. I am sure if you have the time and are handy, it can be done at home, but it requires removing airboxes etc.. just to get to the reservoir.

Mine started exhibiting the problem around the same mileage as yours, now at 44K with no problems but had them check it at the dealer anyway at my last in warranty visit.

K9COP

I have a different noise. It's a squeak as the wheel turns. Sounds like maybe a rubber ring around the steering shaft squeaking as it moves. Any ideas guys? Can I 'WD40' something down there?

K9

jakematic

Squirrels. Or beetles. Possibly.

Is it the old column or did you get one from the UK ?
And no, don't go spraying WD40 on things. This is an Audi my friend, not a Subaru.....

Was the squeak there before you took the column apart ?

This is gonna sound ridiculous but try a stethoscope to narrow that location.

K9COP

Thanks buddy, that helps a lot...

It is still the original column, and hasn't been stripped down yet.. If it was a Scoobie, I'd use T/C40..

But if it was beatles, I'd expect endless sessions of whining and drug addled unintelligible lyrics in a weird accent. Could be squirrels, that is roughly where my nuts are kept...

I'll fetch my nurse, she has a stethoscope...

Thanks buddy, I'll check it out..

K9