"Groaning" when turning steering wheel

[danclyon]

So I started the car yesterday, B6 1.9TDi Multi 2wd, and was met with an unhealthy noise. As I'd turned in the night before there was a little "chirp noise turning right - sort of sounded like the alternator clutch had gone again - but I thought nothing of it as it's icy and snowy.

Starting the car, started fine, but was met with a "groaning" type noise when turning the wheel in either direction - which seems to be quieter at speed. Engine runs seemingly fine, no warnings, temp normal, oil normal, everything sounds normal except for the groaning.

I can't see any height difference so I don't think I've stuffed a spring, and the noise is noticeable - but present when moving the wheel when stationary as well as moving so I don't think I've stuffed a bearing or anything.

I have clobbered a few potholes this last week as the roads in north london are shocking, and there's some big holes opened up on the M11 etc and the chirp noise was not long after hitting one.

Of course it's happened just as I needed to get to Heathrow which it made with no drama other than the new soundtrack, and is parked there, so hopefully will get home, back to london, to surrey and back home again and I can get it looked at on Wednesday.

Anyone got any pointers? Cant see wheel or tyre damage and nothing is knocking or seems to be leaking or loose or anything obvious....it also seemed to be a lot less "loud" once the engine was totally up to temp and everything was warmed through....

Cheers,
Dan.

[churp]

first thing I would check is power steering fluid, as you turn steering wheel lock to lock the fluid level will change, also check if air bubbles, like lots of them are present in the bottle - hopefully not as this is not good sign. groaning sound usually associated with pas, possibilities include rack, pump, fluid issue. hopefully this will guide you a bit in the right direction until someone who works in the industry comes along.

[danclyon]

Couldn't see a damn thing when I got back, it started and was a bit noisy but still drivable so I took the decision to get home. Drove fine but got a bit noisy in the last few miles. Now I'm back at home I've had a look and when the steering is under load it seems to be dripping every few seconds a tiny bit of PAS fluid out the bottom underneath the reservoir. Can't feel the reservoir leaking but it's down and left as sat in the drivers seat where it's coming out - could be being moved by engine shields etc.

Checked the reservoir and I can see fluid but its below min on the dipstick.


Have asked the wife to take it to our Indy in the next village for me tomorrow. I did think about getting it recovered to home but the wait was 2 hours tonight and then would haves taken 2.5 plus hours to get home. Hope it hasn't stuffed anything further...

[danclyon]

Couldn't be much more cheesed off this evening. Results are in and the steering rack is a write-off but some suspension parts seem damaged too.
Suspicion is on a quick balance/check that the wheel/tyre are actually OK, but they could be condemned too yet.

So at the moment it is new steering rack (leaking out of the end of the "whack"), track/tie rod ends and the associated parts in the suspension, re-fill of fluid, re-check of system, check/balance the wheels (as it hit front/back) all-round, and re-setup the tracking front/back - full set. In excess of 6 hours work all up apparently.

The indy I use gave me two figures, and the genuine audi parts was approaching 400 quid more - so it's costing me about 1150 all done with "best of breed not genuine Audi parts". Given the state of the roads, I figured both carry the same warranty, so might as well keep almost half the cost back against a potential future failure....and given the state of the roads.

Grrrr. Just wish I knew which pothole had goosed it and I'd take some appropriate action - but I've hit so many in the last week that any one of them could be the beast that broke the rack....

Cheers,
Dan.

[Doctle Odd]

Could you do the work yourself? this job is very labour intensive and takes 4.5 + hours

[danclyon]

If I was living the dream yes, but sadly space/time/work no - plus I'd have to invest in tools that i don't have and probably a swear box to cover the damage it would do to my sanity I trust the indy and he was very honest about whats been stuffed and he's checked it's not just leaking and the bellows/gaitors can be replaced etc - but it's goosed totally - like someone belted it with a hammer from what was said....so I just have to grin and bear it and not complain that my 200 quid road tax is in addition to the 1200 quid of damage caused by the road.....

[JimC64]

Sorry to hear your issues mate.........totally gutted!!

Find the nearest large pothole in your area, take a pic or two and send the bill to the local council for that area, chances are thats what's caused your issues anyway.

J/k but its a thought honestly.

Hope you get it fixed soon for much cheapness..