Steering Whine or groan

16v100bhp · 27th January 2009, 09:40

The air temperature outside is in the -ve's now days and yesterday morning my audi started whining. It was more pronounced in the morning and was getting louder when I try to turn the wheels left and right. The sound also seemed to increase or vary with the rpm. I figured some thing was wrong with the power steering but couldn't figure out what. My instincts told me it is the PS pump.

I did some reading in a couple of the audi forums and found that this is a common problem for audi's in winter. The root cause may be an air bubble that get trapped into the system. All you might need to do is some bleeding like the below..

1. open the reservoir cap
2. start the engine
3. turn the steering full lock to right, then left and then back right.
4. Turn the engine off
5. Wait for some time before putting the cap back (you might see some froth inside the reservoir and some fiz coming off like you opened a coke can - wait till it settles and put the cap back)

Well, that was it for me and sound is gone for now. And if it returns, I might have a leaky system or a blown pump

I will keep you guys updated on that..

I am planning to flush out the old PSF if the sound doesn't come back and put in some fresh pentosin that I got from a near by dealer.

Ramesh75 · 27th January 2009, 20:09

Leaking power steering seal might cause this problem. Check with your dealer soon.

16v100bhp · 28th January 2009, 04:59

Yep.. that what I meant by a leaky system.. Dont want to go the dealer so quick..

27th January 2009, 09:40	#1
16v100bhp BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Middletown CT USA Posts: 329 Thanked: 11 Times View My Garage	Steering Whine or groan The air temperature outside is in the -ve's now days and yesterday morning my audi started whining. It was more pronounced in the morning and was getting louder when I try to turn the wheels left and right. The sound also seemed to increase or vary with the rpm. I figured some thing was wrong with the power steering but couldn't figure out what. My instincts told me it is the PS pump. I did some reading in a couple of the audi forums and found that this is a common problem for audi's in winter. The root cause may be an air bubble that get trapped into the system. All you might need to do is some bleeding like the below.. 1. open the reservoir cap 2. start the engine 3. turn the steering full lock to right, then left and then back right. 4. Turn the engine off 5. Wait for some time before putting the cap back (you might see some froth inside the reservoir and some fiz coming off like you opened a coke can - wait till it settles and put the cap back) Well, that was it for me and sound is gone for now. And if it returns, I might have a leaky system or a blown pump I will keep you guys updated on that.. I am planning to flush out the old PSF if the sound doesn't come back and put in some fresh pentosin that I got from a near by dealer. Last edited by 16v100bhp : 27th January 2009 at 09:42.
	() Thanks

27th January 2009, 20:09	#2
Ramesh75 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 54 Thanked: 2 Times	Leaking power steering seal might cause this problem. Check with your dealer soon.
	() Thanks

28th January 2009, 04:59	#3
16v100bhp BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Middletown CT USA Posts: 329 Thanked: 11 Times View My Garage	Yep.. that what I meant by a leaky system.. Dont want to go the dealer so quick..
	() Thanks