Audi Steering Problems? Let Our Experts Solve Them

Audi is known for having high-quality, precision-engineered cars that make owners smile. Your Audi’s handling and safety are controlled primarily by your steering system. It needs to perform optimally, and as a driver, you are responsible for your car’s safety and drivability. 

Your Audi steering system is a major part of this and is prone to wearing out over time. It needs proper maintenance and attention to keep your vehicle safe and working its best.

Our team of Audi experts at Roade Main Garage are here to solve any steering issue. If you notice something wrong, have trouble with steering your car or need to find out what’s up, reach out to our specialist team right away!

In this blog, we go into detail on Audi steering systems, including how they work, why they need proper maintenance, and what causes steering issues.

Read on to find out more!

How Audi Steering Systems Work

Virtually all modern vehicles come with a power steering system to reduce the effort needed for drivers. Audi vehicles are no different. To help improve handling and comfort at different speeds, power steering has been around for several decades. Power steering systems vary by technology and setup but generally, they are broken down into the following systems:

• Steering Wheel: The vehicle’s direction is controlled using the steering wheel.
• Steering Column: When the driver turns the wheel, a connected shaft on the steering column also rotates.
• Steering Gearbox: Vehicles from earlier periods might feature hydraulic power steering gearboxes. However, several new models use an electric power steering (EPS) system. This EPS system substitutes hydraulic pressure with an electric motor for steering aid, with the motor controlled by the vehicle’s onboard computer.
• Steering Sensors: Various sensors consistently observe the driver’s steering inputs and the vehicle’s speed. These sensors encompass the steering angle sensor and vehicle speed sensor, delivering important information to the vehicle’s control unit.
• Control Unit: The control unit processes data from the sensors to determine the necessary amount of steering support. Through adjustments to the electric motor’s output, the correct level of assistance is provided, adapting to factors such as the vehicle’s speed, prevailing weather, and driving conditions.
• Assistive Force: Electric motors offer additional steering support to drivers, facilitating easier steering wheel turns, particularly at lower speeds or during parking. Also, to enhance driver control and stability, the system may decrease assistance at higher speeds.
• Safety Features: Steering systems incorporate several safety enhancements. Examples include lane-keeping assist, adaptive steering, and driver assistance systems designed to assist in lane maintenance, ensuring a safe following distance, and helping owners park.

For an excellent driving experience, the Audi steering system aids in comfort, handling, and safety. Assisting the driver where necessary and adapting the vehicle to the driving conditions to ensure a connection is always made to the road. However, the setup on your Audi vehicle varies by model and model year.

What Causes Audi Steering Noises

If you notice a strange sound coming from your Audi steering system, it could mean that there is an issue. 

The most common ways your steering system becomes faulty include:

• Power Steering Fluid Level: A lack of power steering fluid may lead to a whining or groaning sound when turning the steering wheel.
• Deteriorated Power Steering Pump: Noise issues can arise if the power steering pump experiences failure or wear. A worn-out pump may produce whining or squealing sounds.
• Compromised Power Steering Hoses: Steering complications and noise may stem from damaged or cracked steering hoses, resulting in fluid leaks. A noticeable hissing sound may accompany hose leaks.
• Steering Gearbox or Rack Troubles: Clunking or knocking sounds during steering can indicate problems with the steering rack or gearbox. Inspection and potential replacement of these components may be necessary.
• Wear on Tie Rods or Ball Joints: Worn ball joints and tie rod ends may produce clicking or clunking sounds when turning the steering wheel. Proper connection of these components to the wheels is crucial for effective steering system control.
• Tyre-related Issues: Irregular or damaged tyre wear can generate noise during steering manoeuvres. Regular tyre inflation and inspections are essential to prevent such issues.
• Insufficient Lubrication: A lack of lubrication in steering components, including the steering column and universal joints, can result in creaking or squeaking sounds.
• Steering Column Damage: Certain steering noises may originate from issues within the steering column itself, such as loose or damaged components. Regular examination is recommended to address this.

If your Audi steering system starts making noises, we suggest reaching out to a qualified Audi technician from our team at Roade Main Garage. Our expert team will carefully diagnose the issue to work out the exact cause of the noise and take steps to expertly repair your Audi power steering system. If you do not address a noisy power steering issue it could cause more severe problems later down the line and affect vehicle safety.

Are Steering Noises A Safety Risk?

If you notice strange steering noises, especially if dashboard warning lights appear and you notice a change in steering feel, it could mean your safety is compromised and you should stop immediately. Continuing to drive under these conditions can be dangerous and could cause harm to you, your vehicle, or other road users.

Reach out to our team of technicians at Roade Main Garage who are experts in Audi steering systems. We will work out whether it is safe to continue to drive or recommend a suitable repair if not. After all, your safety should be your top priority.

Maintaining Audi Steering Systems

We recommend you consult professionals when it comes to maintaining your Audi steering system. At Roade Main Garage we are a certified Audi specialist workshop dedicated to making your Audi safe and working optimally. Performing steering system inspections, maintenance and repairs and serving our local area.

With regular system checks and maintenance, you can avoid troublesome leaks, detect wear, and see damage before it becomes a major problem. 

Our team at Roade Main Garage will also inspect and repair your Audi, perform wheel alignments, check suspension, brakes, and tyres, and replace your power steering fluid. Using our expert knowledge and specialist tools, we solve any Audi steering issue. Only using genuine Audi parts in our repairs or high-quality replacements, we ensure we follow the Audi recommended repair routines. 

If you’re experiencing a power steering issue in your Audi, or you want to be reassured that your steering system is functioning properly, Roade Main Garage is here with our team of Audi experts. Call us today to book an appointment!

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