2010 B8 S4 random heavy steering - Steering pump or fluid issues?

[JBalls]

Hi guys, recently purchased a used 2010 B8 S4 in Ibis White from the original owner - 55,000 Km's and a clean history.

One thing i've noticed recently, and did not pick up on previous test drives, is that during some low speed gradual turns - say from 40-50km/h - the steering will tighten up considerably and gain weight, as if speed sensitive/adaptive steering is kicking in prematurely. It comes on in a hurry and it's pretty annoying when driving normally around town. There's no particular sound or vibration from the steering rack either.

I've researched online and found some people pointing to steering fluid needing to be topped up, to steering pumps or racks needing to be replaced. Is the culprit difficult to ID? Would my best bet just to be to take to a shop/dealer to get it analyzed?

[JBalls]

Bump - Any ideas for solutions appreciated.

[B8Addict]

Do you have audi drive select so you can choose between comfort, auto, and dynamic? If you don't it may just be the auto setting doing its thing. You can use VAG-COM to set the car to comfort and see if there is any difference but I would start with that.

[JBalls]

Do you have audi drive select so you can choose between comfort, auto, and dynamic? If you don't it may just be the auto setting doing its thing. You can use VAG-COM to set the car to comfort and see if there is any difference but I would start with that.

Nope i don't have Audi Drive Select. Would have been nice if it was that simple.


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[B8Addict]

Nope i don't have Audi Drive Select. Would have been nice if it was that simple.


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It likely is the auto setting at this point as it will continue to vary as you increase in speed. Since you don’t have drive select you can’t change it without VAG-COM.

[quickglx]

Usually occurs differently than you've described, but you may check the steering column intermediate shaft u joint near the rack. Common part that binds causing tight steering, may be noticeable if you turn the wheel lock to lock and notice binding at a few parts in between.

[JBalls]

It likely is the auto setting at this point as it will continue to vary as you increase in speed. Since you don’t have drive select you can’t change it without VAG-COM.

Hmm i appreciate the suggestion it may be related to some auto setting, but the way the steering weight increases just doesn't feel really natural, like there's no way Audi could have a setting to make the car steer like this on purpose. Through a low speed turn anywhere from 20-40km/s it will begin to tighten up unnaturally, and stay tight even as i begin to deccelerate...

[s4matty]

Usually occurs differently than you've described, but you may check the steering column intermediate shaft u joint near the rack. Common part that binds causing tight steering, may be noticeable if you turn the wheel lock to lock and notice binding at a few parts in between.

This has been the problem on 3 different S4's I've worked on.
Sprayed some lube on the U joint a few times and good to go.

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[IHave2Turbos]

pics of location to lube?

[JBalls]

This has been the problem on 3 different S4's I've worked on.
Sprayed some lube on the U joint a few times and good to go.

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Thanks, that's interesting, I'll ask my shop to take a look at the U Joint, would love for it to be as simple as that.




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[IHave2Turbos]

bump for pics or diagram of where to lube?


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[ToddBrunswick]

bump for pics or diagram of where to lube?


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That's some low hanging fruit.

[EAFLO88]

This has been the problem on 3 different S4's I've worked on.
Sprayed some lube on the U joint a few times and good to go.

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Is this something that’s easily accessible and what kind of lube? Pics or a link would help some of us out with this issue.

[s4matty]

Is this something that’s easily accessible and what kind of lube? Pics or a link would help some of us out with this issue.

I'll post a pic where the joint is tmrw when my friends car is on the hoist.
As for the lube I used was castle trust..
Kinda like wd40 but with a lube in it.
I sprayed the joint and turned the steering wheel back and forth a few time s then sprayed again..
But I'll post the pics tmrw.
I just had to do my cars steering joint last week also.
Big difference after.

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[JBalls]

I forgot about this thread.

I still haven’t had the U joint looked at regarding the heavy steering issues, but interestingly, since I’ve upgraded my wheel setup (AG M590, MPS4S, alignment) from stock OEM, the steerings been lighter. Not to where I would say there’s no more issue, but it’s more bearable.

@s4matty - I’m interested in that photo too. Thanks.


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[EAFLO88]

I'll post a pic where the joint is tmrw when my friends car is on the hoist.
As for the lube I used was castle trust..
Kinda like wd40 but with a lube in it.
I sprayed the joint and turned the steering wheel back and forth a few time s then sprayed again..
But I'll post the pics tmrw.
I just had to do my cars steering joint last week also.
Big difference after.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Audizine mobile app

Thanks for the insight, looking forward to the picture

[Ritchiec87]

picture please