[Biturbos4] B5 S4 steering noise

[Ti Kan]

On Thu, Mar 20, 2014 at 07:36:39PM +0000, Brandon Rogers wrote:
> Funny - mine started making this exact sound too about 2 weeks ago!  Kinda of a rubbery squeak. 

I found another video (posted by someone else) that shows the same
problem.  The difference is that the engine is running on this one
whereas mine was not, and the noise occurs when turning the steering
wheel in both directions.  And it's a B5 Audi A4 TDI instead of S4,
but it shouldn't matter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HmTL5kfc0s

Unfortunately, no solution is posted there...

-Ti

> On Mar 20, 2014, at 4:45 AM, "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