Strange noise when steering

[A4B6Cab]

Help please guys, A4 cab 2003, 3.0 sport petrol. When manoeuvring slowly around car parks, mini roundabouts there’s an awful noise from (I think) the front drivers side of the engine bay area. I’ve had the common power steering squeal on and off for a while now but not been a problem, but this new noise is really harsh, hard to describe it almost sounds like a duck or animal squarking????? (Yes I’ve checked, no animals are present)

any clues guys, just stung me for a new cambelt and waterpunp and then a new alternator in the last 3 weeks - please don’t be another expensive fix 🙁

[arman123]

power steering pump get it checked out also check power steering fluid

[A4B6Cab]

Thanksgiving arman123, started the car and opened power steering cap to see if it was bubbling/overflowing (saw a video where filter was blocked in the reservoir and caused it to blow back out the cap hole). It was pretty much empty

loqoked under car for any obvious signs of a leak, but it’s hammering it down outside so everywhere’s wet (guess I was looking for pink or green fluid under the car)

there was something dripping from under the car when it was running, middle of the car towards back of the engine but it looked clear?

[A4B6Cab]

Also guys, what power steering fluid do I need please? And where can I order some as I’m miles from any Audi dealership? ��

[arman123]

power steering fluid part number is G004000M2 New Genuine VW Audi SEAT Skoda Green Power Steering Fluid Oil 1L **Free UK P&P** 4050326182245 | eBay (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Genuine-VW-Audi-SEAT-Skoda-Green-Power-Steering-Fluid-Oil-1L-Free-UK-P-P/264308145070?epid=1717083433&hash=item3d89fe3bae:g:F34AAOSwzqdcgqRM)

[A4B6Cab]

Thanks again mate, sorry to keep firing questions at you.

any idea ho much I’ll need? To fill it from empty

[arman123]

get about 2 litres because if its empty you will have a leak fill it up and try find the leak when you fill it up turn steering from left to right to purge out any air

[A4B6Cab]

Thanks again mate

My local garage is 1 mile away, would you risk driving it that distance so they can get it up on a ramp?

[arman123]

No I would get it recovered there

[A4B6Cab]

Thanks again arman123, going to check the front cooler pipe that doubles back on itself along the radiator first - hoping it’s just that

[A4B6Cab]

Afternoon all, topped up the power steering reservoir, it only took about 200ml to fill it to the 'max' line on the little dipstick. Left to right several times, and out for a 6 miles drive round the lanes, still full to the 'max' marker

Out of interest, if i wanted to chage all the fluid (seeing as I have 1.8L of new stuff to use), how would i drain it all out? Is it a PITA to do?

[A4B6Cab]

Hello all

Another question, since the low PS fluid issue, I've rechecked it several times and its still full. But, the car does make a pretty bad whine/droning when I turn, does that mean a knackered PS pump? Or could be something else? (Car is on 122k miles)

How would i diagnose a knackered pump?

And, what sort of a job is it in my 3.0 v6 petrol cab?

[rhencullen1989]

Check out the one way clutch on the alternator, these have a habit of seizing up and in turn causes the aux belt to flap around a lot more than it should, this then puts more strain on the belt tensioner and this will make a rumbling nasty noise especially when turning or on tick over. Lift the bonnet and see how much the tensioner if moving around when on tick over.

[A4B6Cab]

Thanks rhencullen

had a new alternator fitted by a VAG specialist about 6 or 8 weeks ago so hopefully not that

[rhencullen1989]

I assume either a new alternator pulley was fitted or the new alternator came with one on it.

[Crasher]

Would you describe the noise as a deep groan?

[A4B6Cab]

I assume either a new alternator pulley was fitted or the new alternator came with one on it.



No idea, it was done at a VAG specialist so guessing it would of been?

[A4B6Cab]

Would you describe the noise as a deep groan?


Hi Crasher

Yeah I would, deep groan/chewbacka moaning kind of noise

[Crasher]

This can be down to a known issue which is basically worn out gearbox oil that makes the diff groan.

[A4B6Cab]

Thanks Crasher, had a new clutch and DMF fitted 2 years ago (about 5k miles ago), would it not of been changed or replaced then?

If not, how hard a job is it to do? (It’s the 6 speed manual gearbox)

[Crasher]

It is not part of doing a clutch, not a difficult job.

[A4B6Cab]

Thanks again Crasher

just had a look and looks the same as when I done the front and rear diffs on our Range Rover, drain and refil until it runs out the fill plug hole.

is 3l enough oil for the 6 speed manual gearbox, and any idea what spec I’d need? I’m sure I read G 052 911 oil?

[Crasher]

I would have to look it up at work

[A4B6Cab]

Thanks Crasher