3.0 Convertible Milky Oil Cap/Noisy Steering

[a4conv]

I have a 2003 (53) A4 3.0 Convertible and the steering is extremely noisy at parking speeds, there is a severe grinding noise.

The car has only covered 49000 miles with a full Audi service history. Yesterday I noticed a lot of smoke coming out of the offside exhaust pipe when the car was idling outside my garage. After the journey I removed the oil cap and saw a lot of milky substance there.

I was shocked to see a milky oil cap as I had no idea the Audi engine was prone to early head gasket failure. I had an MGF previously and knew the head gasket is prone to failing at a very low mileage but had no idea the Audi could be the same.

I haven't used the car much recently (except a long trip yesterday) but even so am I right in thinking I have big problems here?

I noticed that power steering fluid level was very low so am I right in thinking topping it up could help or should I get the system flushed out? What sort of fluid should I use?

Does it sound as though the head gasket has failed or is it possible the oil cap is milky for another reason?

As far as I can tell the car does not overheat, indeed it performed very well on a long journey yesterday so this mean it might not be the head gasket?

The car is due a service but even so I am understandably very worried by the milky oil cap at 49000 miles.

Now I've seen the oil cap I'm only going to drive the car to my local independent garage.

I'd greatly appreciate any advise, this is the first Audi I've had and I'm already thinking of trading it in! I bought the car privately so I don't have any comeback unfortunately, I mistakenly thought that a low mileage Audi would be a safe buy.

Many thanks in advance

[bez101]

could be a number of things take it to a good indi and get it preasure tested top your stearing up and check for leaks

[a4conv]

Many thanks for the reply, I will take the car a garage I trust tomorrow - they aren't Audi specialists but they are good mechanics so I thought I'd try and get as much info as possible for them.

Am I right in thinking though that an Audi shouldn't blow a head gasket at 49000 miles?

[Newt1]

I'd be very surprised if the head is gone.
I have a 3.0 Cab and have milkiness under the filler cap also. I also had the same with my previous car (Mazda RX8). Whats the connection ? They both use 5W30 fully synthetic oil.
Im pretty certain its a bi-product of the oil raher than an indication of engine failure.

[TapMyHed]

One more thing to consider is the amount of short trips you do, very short trips will not allow the engine to warm up properly thus causing condensation of any water vapours inside the engine, which would generally show on the oil filler cap...not completely understanding the science, but its the 'coolest' place??

Power steering fluid should really be done at a garage as typically you have to 'crack' open a pipe at the bottom, let it drain out then top up.

If its losing content, then you may have bigger problems, such as a failed unit. You need to get this looked at really. Power steering should not lose content.

[fourringsrus]

Echo as above

[a4conv]

Many thanks for the replies, I feel far better now. I always assumed that any sign of a milky substance spelt disaster before. The car does seem a bit noisy to me though and a bit smoky from cold but I've never had an Audi before.

Can I just ask one final question though - what sort of steering fluid should I use? Do I have to get it from Audi or I can buy from somewhere like Halfords?

Many thanks again

[ctownshend]

hi, i have an a4 saloon with the same engine, and yes it will almost definately be due to short distance journeys, i only work 4 miles away so i only do short trips and over a period of about 2 weeks i get a milky substance on the filler cap. but if i drive the car 30-40 miles or so hey presto! it's gone.

it's only done 44,000 miles so when i first noticed it i ran a compression test and sniff test, both tests suggested that the head gasket was fine.

oh, and best place to get PAS fluid IS your local audi/vw dealer, £8 a litre... cheaper than halfords at £15!!! and you know your getting the correct stuff.

Cheers, Craig.

[rhencullen1989]

Agree with above regarding the power steering fluid, get it from audi, its a different sort (mineral) than others use and do not mix. The system is self bleeding.

Are you loosing coolant, if not and the coolant still looks reddy pink and clean i doubt you have a gasket problem. I assume its a V6?

My work colleague wrongly diagnosed a head gasket last year, and replaced it. Found out after it was the oil cooler (the bit the oil filter bolts to) as the coolant goes through this and it had failed mixing water with oil, a simple cheap fix.

[a4conv]

Many thanks for the replies. I feel a lot more confident now that the oil filler cap mayonaisse doesnt spell a problem. I cant see any leaks under the car and water is very clear and pink.

And many thanks re getting the fluid from Audi - how many litres do I need to replace all the fluid?

Thanks again