[Biturbos4] B5 S4 steering noise

[John Corbishley]

Agree.  Sorry did not read your post carefully enough.  I've recently had a lot of ps fluid issues which had it top of mind.

Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 20, 2014, at 15:22, Ti Kan <ti at amb.org> wrote:
> 
>> On Thu, Mar 20, 2014 at 08:55:00AM -0400, John Corbishley wrote:
>> Have you checked you PS fluid level?
> 
> It's normal.  And why would it matter if the noise happens
> even when the engine isn't running?  That would suggest that
> it has nothing to do with the power assist (power steering
> pump or fluids)... ?
> 
> -Ti
> 
>>> On Mar 20, 2014, at 6:35, Ti Kan <ti at amb.org> wrote:
>>> Hi everyone,
>>> 
>>> Patient: 2001.5 Audi S4 biturbo, 135K mi.
>>> 
>>> Symptom: Turning the steering wheel clockwise produces a groan/squeal
>>> noise, it sounds like something needs lubrication.  No noise when
>>> turning counter-clockwise.
>>> 
>>> This video shows the problem:
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwDh4ddz7Pk
>>> 
>>> Ignore the clicking noise in the video, it's just me trying to turn
>>> the wheel and hold the camera at the same time.
>>> 
>>> The noise occurs with and without the engine running, and with the car
>>> moving or stopped.  It isn't very loud, despite seeming that way in
>>> the video (the camera mic is very sensitive).  Music from the stereo
>>> or road noise at >25mph will mask it.
>>> 
>>> I first suspected the clockspring, but after removing the airbag and
>>> steering wheel, turning the clockspring by hand was smooth and noise-free.
>>> I reinstalled the steering wheel and airbag.
>>> 
>>> What else should I look at?  I know there is a U-joint at the
>>> bottom of the column near where it connects to the steering rack,
>>> could that U-joint need lubing?  Looks like it would require
>>> a contortionist to work there...  Could the steering rack itself
>>> be the problem?
>>> 
>>> -Ti
> 
>