Help!! Steering wheel play.

[Quartzbomber]

Just wanted to see if someone can help me diagnose this issue. When the steering wheel is in the center position, I have a little play with the steering wheel. I can slightly turn the wheel to the right and left without it doing anything. I initially thought it might be a issue with the steering rack but that was changed out and I still have the issue. Could this issue be related to something inside the steering column? I put a video of it on youtube and the link is below. The car is a 2006 Audi A4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5PZeLFpLY0

Thanks in advance.

Tyler

[JDillon15]

Just wanted to see if someone can help me diagnose this issue. When the steering wheel is in the center position, I have a little play with the steering wheel. I can slightly turn the wheel to the right and left without it doing anything. I initially thought it might be a issue with the steering rack but that was changed out and I still have the issue. Could this issue be related to something inside the steering column? I put a video of it on youtube and the link is below. The car is a 2006 Audi A4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5PZeLFpLY0

Thanks in advance.

Tyler

The video is private- we can't see it.

[Quartzbomber]

I changed the setting. You should be able to see it now.

[AJacksA4]

It seems normal to me? Most cars have a little bit of play, if you already replaced the steering rack you could take off the panel under the steering wheel and inspect the shaft.

[mtroxel]

Could this issue be related to something inside the steering column? I put a video of it on youtube and the link is below. The car is a 2006 Audi A4.

Remove the knee bolster under the steering wheel and see. I have a friend with an A5 (same car really) who had a bad U joint in his column. But if there's play there, you'll be able to see it.

[Older_not_Wiser]

Had the same issue for a week after I put my coils in. After letting the coils settle for a week, I took it in for align and corner balance. I asked them to fix it as I did not have the problem before the coils. They took care of it no problem. Assume I just did not get the steering arms adjusted properly at install.

[fly300kts]

Had to replace the rack and what a PITA by the way

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...highlight=rack

Phil

[Quartzbomber]

Hey Phil,

Did your steering wheel still move like that without the key in the on position? I have the exact same movement even when the steering wheel should be locked. Wondering if it might be another issue since the rack was changed out about a year ago.

[fly300kts]

Hey Phil,

Did your steering wheel still move like that without the key in the on position? I have the exact same movement even when the steering wheel should be locked. Wondering if it might be another issue since the rack was changed out about a year ago.

Yes same way

Phil

[b7_Andy]

That amount of play in the steering wheel is normal (at least I was told). About a year ago a couple parts of my steering rack were loose and I had so much play in the steering wheel. I even had a noticeable clunking noise every time I passed center turning the wheel back and forth. I had the car in the shop one day for a couple small things and the tech said the rack was a little loose and tightened it back up. Ever since then it feels fine and I have the same amount of play as you do... And if it's still not enough to convince you, my dad's S5 and every other Audi I've driven seems to have a little bit of play turning the wheel when parked. I would say your car's fine

[Silveravant]

Maybe it's a loose nut at the wheel?

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

Check to see if the screws are loose... my steering wheel was loose and made a clunk when I was coming into parking spots... tightened them up and I was good to go.

[Quartzbomber]

Quick update. Had the car looked at and it turns out the U-Joint in the steering column is faulty and the entire column needs to be replaced to correct it. Why did Audi make it so you cant just change out faulty parts??