Audi Steering Problems
Audi has superb quality, handling, and styling. Your steering system has a part to play in the way it handles and performs. To make sure you aren’t left with any nasty surprises, your steering system needs to function perfectly at all times. After all, you as the driver are responsible for vehicle safety and drivability.
Steering systems across all vehicles are prone to wearing out over time. To keep your Audi working at its best it requires close attention and routine maintenance.
At Gents Garage, our team of Audi experts are giving you a helping hand when it comes to steering issues. If you have steering problems or want to find out any issues with your Audi, reach out to our team today!
In this blog, we uncover how an Audi steering system works, why they need to be maintained properly, and how steering issues occur.
Keep reading to find out more!
How Audi Steering Systems Work
Almost all new cars come with some form of power-assisted steering. They are designed to help reduce steering effort for drivers, and in your Audi, it helps it manoeuvre better at different speeds. Power steering systems are different across different models and engine types, but generally, they can be broken down into the following subsystems:
- Steering Wheel: You steer the vehicle by turning the steering wheel.
- Steering Column: When you turn the wheel, a connected shaft on the steering column also turns.
- Steering Gearbox: Some vehicles previously had hydraulic power steering gearboxes. However, many new models use an electric power steering (EPS) system. This EPS system replaces hydraulic pressure with an electric motor to help with steering. The motor is controlled by the vehicle’s onboard computer.
- Steering Sensors: Various sensors constantly watch the driver’s steering and the vehicle’s speed. These sensors include the steering angle sensor and vehicle speed sensor, providing important information to the vehicle’s control unit.
- Control Unit: The control unit uses data from the sensors to figure out how much steering support is needed. Adjusting the electric motor’s output, gives the right level of assistance, considering factors like the vehicle’s speed, current weather, and driving conditions.
- Assistive Force: Electric motors provide extra steering help to make it easier for drivers to turn the steering wheel, especially at lower speeds or when parking. Additionally, the system might reduce assistance at higher speeds to improve driver control and stability.
- Safety Features: Steering systems come with various safety improvements. Examples include lane-keeping assist, adaptive steering, and driver assistance systems that help with staying in the lane, maintaining a safe following distance, and assisting in parking.
To ensure your driving experience is always excellent, your Audi steering system is responsible for handling, safety, and comfort. Sometimes it steps in to assist the driver with certain Audi’s equipped with extra safety features. Also, steering systems adapt to speeds and conditions to ensure your car is always in control.
Audi Steering Wheel Noises – What Causes Them?
When you notice an unusual sound in your Audi steering system, it could mean there is an issue.
Your Audi steering system may be faulty because of the following:
- Low Power Steering Fluid: If there’s not enough power steering fluid, you might hear a whining or groaning sound when you turn the steering wheel.
- Worn-out Power Steering Pump: Noise problems can happen if the power steering pump breaks down or gets old. An old pump can make whining or squealing sounds.
- Damaged Power Steering Hoses: Problems with steering and noise can come from steering hoses that are broken or cracked, leading to leaks. If the hoses are leaking, you might hear a hissing sound.
- Issues with Steering Gearbox or Rack: If you hear clunking or knocking sounds while steering, it could mean there are problems with the steering rack or gearbox. You might need to check and possibly replace these parts.
- Wear on Tie Rods or Ball Joints: If ball joints and tie rod ends are worn out, they can make clicking or clunking sounds when you turn the steering wheel. It’s important to have these parts properly connected to the wheels for the steering system to work well.
- Problems with Tyres: Uneven or damaged tyre wear can cause noise when you steer. Regularly inflating and inspecting the tyres is crucial to avoid such problems.
- Not Enough Lubrication: If the steering components, like the steering column and universal joints, don’t have enough lubrication, you may hear creaking or squeaking sounds.
- Damage to the Steering Column: Some steering noises might come from issues within the steering column itself, like loose or damaged parts. It’s a good idea to check this regularly.
If your Audi steering makes unusual noises, it’s best to address the problem quickly. We recommend reaching out to our team of Audi experts at Gents Garage. Our trained and knowledgeable team will closely examine your steering system to work out what the issue is. Then we will take extra care when repairing or servicing your power steering system. If you fail to address the problem early, more serious issues could appear later down the line and your safety will be compromised.
Are Steering Noises A Safety Risk?
If you’re experiencing odd steering noises when dashboard lights are displaying, and you notice a change in the way your steering feels, then it could be a safety critical issue and you should stop driving. If you carry on driving in this situation, you can compromise your safety and the safety of other road users.
Reach out to our team of Audi experts at Gents Garage. We know all about Audi steering systems and can recommend fixes after closely inspecting and diagnosing problems. Your safety is our top priority.
Audi Steering System Maintenance
We suggest that you reach out to professionals when it comes to Audi steering system maintenance and repair. At Gents Garage, our certified team of Audi specialists possess the tools and knowledge to repair your Audi steering system. We perform steering system maintenance, repairs, and inspections, serving your local area.
With routine servicing and inspections, you help avoid unwanted breakdowns and repair bills.
Our team at Gents Garage will also inspect and repair your Audi, align your wheels, ensure your suspension, brakes and tyres are in good working condition, and we will perform power steering fluid replacements for you. We have vast experience across all Audi models and only use genuine Audi-recommended parts during our repairs, following specific Audi repair routines.
If you have a power steering issue in your Audi or want your mind to be put at rest with a careful steering system inspection, then do not hesitate to reach out to our expert team today at Gents Garage.
