Steering Problems

[Ameer Antar]

I'd pick up the wheel at each corner and see if the wheels are loose. Take a close look at ball joints, tie-rod ends, etc. I don't know much about diff's affecting steering...good luck.

-Ameer

---Original Message---
Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2003 03:03:15 +0000
From: bludodger at att.net
Subject: Steering Problems
To: quattro at audifans.com
Message-ID: <113020030303.17304.1e88 at att.net>

I have been having steering problems with my car. The best way to describe 
the symptoms would be a "floating" sensation. There is no favoritism to one 
side or the other (as you would experience if the car was pulling). Instead 
the car seems to drift where it wants to go regardless even if the steering 
wheel remains straight ahead. By the way,  there are no abnormal sounds while 
this happens. The problem is accentuated or easier to feel when the car is on 
the highway (at higher speeds and trying to go straight vs. slow and and on 
turns).

I am suspecting something is wrong with the rear axles of the car or some 
component of them (ie. wheel bearings, struts, or control arms). I feel this 
way because I think the problem started up after the car's diff lock was 
engaged and was driven at high speeds and for an extended time period (30 
min) with it locked up--(don't ask).

My thoughts are that the rear axle sustained abnormal amounts of torque 
during the diff. lock situation. Has anyone experienced any of this type 
behavior from their quattro? Does anyone believe that I am on the right 
track? Any other ideas of where I should start?

Thanks for any help 
--
Blu
'88 80q--201,000mi.

PS I had the car aligned before the diff lock mishap and i do not suspect the 
tires. Could the car just need alignment again?