Grinding noise from front wheels at full steering lock

[hawkinsmc]

It is normal for the front differential to have a grinding noise turning the wheel all the way to the right or left. I only notice it at full steering lock when I am parking, pulling in or out. This is the 1st AWD car I've owned so I am not sure if this is normal. Thanks.

[dumpedb5]

Grinding is never normal lol.

Check your CV joints or lower control arms.

Try searching next time, I promise it works.

[4rings-rs4]

It is normal for the front differential to have a grinding noise turning the wheel all the way to the right or left. I only notice it at full steering lock when I am parking, pulling in or out. This is the 1st AWD car I've owned so I am not sure if this is normal. Thanks.

Grinding noise or more like a high pitch 'squealing' noise. I notice when that type of sound when turning the wheel all the way left or right. I've noticed a few RS4's make the same noise but was never really sure if its normal. It's not really bad in my case so I've never done anything about it.

Curious to know though...

[geebesRS4]

I had a similar noise at full turn left or right. Turned out to be power steering pump eating itself. Luckily I had extended warranty, I would stat with checking power steering fluid for metal.

[dumpedb5]

Oh you are talking about a squeal? A grinding and a squealing sound are much different. If it is squealing then you are fine. Every audi eventually does it. Its just the power steering pump getting to hot. It is pointless to replace it and it is only bad for the car if you keep it cranked at full lock for a while.

[feelgood156]

I've noticed a strange noise as well in the avant. I wouldn't exactly describe it as a grinding noise, but more rubbing? It's not high pitched though, and it only occurs when I have the steering locked and under slight acceleration. Not sure if normal or not, first AWD car for me as well.

[PolishPete]

I get the same noise (2007 RS4 w/45K miles). Has been doing it since I bought the car at 38K miles. It sounds like the tires are stuck and sliding/slipping/skidding on the pavement, like a rubbing deep grinding noise. Had the same noise in my Jeep when we had an issue with the 4X4. You also have the same sound when you have a car that can be put in 4x4 and you take slow turns with it (which you're not supposed to do). When wheels lock for 4X4 and you turn slowly, the inside wheel spins slower in a tight turn, but when locked it cannot do that, so it skids on the ground as the car turns (because the outside wheel it's locked to is spinning more rotations thus making the inside wheel have to spin too). Hope that made sense.

I haven't done anything about it, but my car is going back for service and my warranty is up next month, so I'll have them look at this too and let you guys know what they think.

[musanoadsaba]

I support Pete's comments above. Will explained, and the wider the tires you have, the more noticeable. Also, I've always believed it is never good to crank your steering as far as it goes and hold it there.

[hawkinsmc]

I get the same noise (2007 RS4 w/45K miles). Has been doing it since I bought the car at 38K miles. It sounds like the tires are stuck and sliding/slipping/skidding on the pavement, like a rubbing deep grinding noise. Had the same noise in my Jeep when we had an issue with the 4X4. You also have the same sound when you have a car that can be put in 4x4 and you take slow turns with it (which you're not supposed to do). When wheels lock for 4X4 and you turn slowly, the inside wheel spins slower in a tight turn, but when locked it cannot do that, so it skids on the ground as the car turns (because the outside wheel it's locked to is spinning more rotations thus making the inside wheel have to spin too). Hope that made sense.

I haven't done anything about it, but my car is going back for service and my warranty is up next month, so I'll have them look at this too and let you guys know what they think.

That is what I figured. I am going to take it in for 45k service and wanted them to check it out knowing they are going to say "yeah that's normal". I just wanted to be sure there aren't any known issue before they blew me off.

[junxing]

I have a rattling noise when the steering wheel is at full turn, I asked my local dealer about it and he said it was just a reminder to back off on the steering. I replaced the power steering fluid with fresh fluid but the rattling is still there, so I assume the dealer's right.