[s-cars] front end/suspension repair question

[Dave Ellis]

Hey Chris,

Before going and replacing a bunch of expensive suspension/steering 
components you may want to replace just the steering damper first if 
that has not been done yet.  It typically wears out on higher mileage 
cars and results in the steering feeling like it's wanting to wander 
when on even slightly rough, undulating, or rutted roads.  You can 
replace the steering damper with either the Audi part or a VW Fox 
steering damper for about half the price.  The Fox steering damper is 
not quite as "stiff" as the Audi part, but the difference is almost 
unnoticeable once installed.  I replaced mine with the Fox part and 
there was an immediate but subtle improvement in the steering feel.

You could also check the steering lash and adjust it if there is any 
play. If there is too much play in the system there will be very poor 
"on center" feel and the steering will seem sloppy.  You may also hear a 
quiet but noticeable light clunk every time you move the steering wheel 
right or left when parked. To check, sit in the car with the ignition 
off and try moving the wheel a half a turn in each direction quickly 
side to side. If you hear a soft clunking you likely need to adjust the 
lash.  This can be accomplished by turning the screw on the top of the 
driver's side of the steering rack an eighth of a turn at a time, 
testing for the "clunk" after each adjustment.  As soon as the clunk 
goes away, stop.  Over tightening will damage the rack.  There is a 
writeup on S-cars or someplace - I don't remember exactly now but 
someone else might be able to point you to it if you can't find it.  
After adjusting the steering lash on my '93 S4 there was an instant and 
very noticeable improvement of on center feel, and the vague area that 
had previously existed in the center when driving straight went away.

Something else to think about is how old the hydraulic fluid is.  Old 
fluid will also contribute to poor steering feel and could lead to 
premature failure of the rack if contaminates make their way into the 
system.  The hydraulic fluid should be replaced at minimum every 24 
months, and some on the list will probably argue for twice or even four 
times as often as that.

Once last item to check is to ensure that the steering rack mounting 
points are still attached to the body of the car.  These are a weak 
point and have been known to tear/crack, and will sometimes produce 
clunking or other noise if severely broken, or no noise but sloppy 
steering feel if just starting to crack.

After that if everything checks out, replacing tie rod ends, control arm 
bushing, etc. will probably solve the problem.  I know when I replaced 
all these bits when putting in the new Eibach springs that steering feel 
was vastly improved. 

Good luck!
-Dave



chris chambers wrote:

>Gentz,
> 
>The steering on my 93 UrS4 with ~ 239,000 miles on ithas wht I believe is refered to tramlining.
>Or Memory steer as the alignment tech said.
> 
>He didn't find the car's alignment to be much out of specs, but does think the struts/strut bearings could be due for replacement. When you place your hand on one of the coil springs and move the front end you could feel a clunking.
> 
>Previously I already had the front end checked out by my mechanic, and doesn't see any worn parts.
> 
>My car has the original suspension on it, could replacing the struts/strut bearings etc. solve this problem? 
>Is it a realistic DIY project? 
>Any idea on the cost for parts?
> 
> 
>Thanks
>Chris
> 
>PS the wife drives a 93 UrS4 with ~ 130,000 miles on it and my car does not steer as nice as hers. Her car does not exhibit this "memory steer" either, and both cars have the same size/brand/type of tire installed at the same time.
>
>
>AUDI - Accelerates Under Demonic Influence.
>