The dreaded B8.5 electronic steering issue *solution?*

[1SICRS4]

I am now experiencing this issue on my 2013. Disabled DSR with minimal effect. What's odd to me is how little info there is based on how common this issue seems. I'm still unclear about the revisions made to the racks. Were the revisions made to the rack construction or the module? Can the module be replaced without replacing the entire rack? WTF is the actual solution for this issue? I dread the thought of having to pay $2,500 for a new rack if the issue can be solved with a simple software update.

[rnkjr]

I have this problem intermittently and have not seen a clear explanation of the root cause. I have living with it for years, but have a technique that solves it for me. When I back out of my garage, I make sure to take the steering to full stop before I pull away forward. My theory is that this re-calibrates dead center, but who knows? You can also take it to full stop while moving forward.

[1SICRS4]

Per OBD11

Hardware number: 8K0909144B
Hardware version: H36
Software number: 8K0909144F

Does anyone know if this is the most up to date revision?

[agentsmith988]

Per OBD11

Hardware number: 8K0909144B
Hardware version: H36
Software number: 8K0909144F

Does anyone know if this is the most up to date revision?

That software number denotes that it already has the 48K8 software update installed. So you won't have luck there. What issue are you having exactly? On mine the wheel would feel like it was being pushed back and forth by magnets when trying to hold it in the 12 o'clock position. The steering lock trick would help sometimes. I ended up watching this (or here if you don't have dynamic steering) website for a remanufactured rack to come in stock and jumped on it when one came in. I haven't had a problem since swapping the rack. You can always find coupon codes for BuyAutoParts. They also add the option at checkout to upgrade to a lifetime warranty. I ended up getting my rack for $860 shipped. They also sell new OEM racks for $1600. You can see my original thread here.

As far as the module/rack debate goes. I think most just spring for the entire rack because the modules are more difficult to track down and it's not a surefire way to rectify the issue.

[1SICRS4]

That software number denotes that it already has the 48K8 software update installed.

How are you able to tell that the software number has the update? Is there a listing of software versions and their corresponding update? If so I'd like to know where I can find that for future reference. I'm experiencing two issues. The 12 o'clock position issue. The car seems like it constantly requires small corrections to stay tracked, but once the corrections are made it seems like an overcorrection; hence, needing to be corrected again and again. Then there's the feeling of being pulled into every rut or uneven surface on the road. Its as if the car automatically tracks itself into the shitty road condition.

[agentsmith988]

How are you able to tell that the software number has the update? Is there a listing of software versions and their corresponding update? If so I'd like to know where I can find that for future reference. I'm experiencing two issues. The 12 o'clock position issue. The car seems like it constantly requires small corrections to stay tracked, but once the corrections are made it seems like an overcorrection; hence, needing to be corrected again and again. Then there's the feeling of being pulled into every rut or uneven surface on the road. Its as if the car automatically tracks itself into the shitty road condition.

Local dealer looked up the software version correlation for me when I was diagnosing my own rack. Surprising that they didn't disable DSR at the same time the software was updated in your situation though (for me the update was applied and DSR was disabled at the same time). May be worth checking to see if the update was applied properly.

[DriveBikeRun]

Just adding my experience FWIW. I have a 2013 and had the issue where it needed nearly constant steering correction when going straight at highway speeds. As far as tracking into ruts or uneven pavement, I never noticed that being worse than other cars. I disabled DSR first which helped some, then replaced the subframe brace with the X-brace from 034. I’ve been happy ever since. As for allocation of the benefit, I would say it was close to a 50/50 split between disabling DSR and the X-brace. I never had the feeling of magnets pulling the steering wheel like agentsmith988 describes, though. It was more subtle than that.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[1SICRS4]

Local dealer looked up the software version correlation for me when I was diagnosing my own rack. Surprising that they didn't disable DSR at the same time the software was updated in your situation though (for me the update was applied and DSR was disabled at the same time). May be worth checking to see if the update was applied properly.

By VIN?

[agentsmith988]

By VIN?

Yes they had it on record with my VIN and also said that the software number 8K0909144F linked up with having 48K8 flashed (not really sure how true this is so take it with a grain of salt).

[1SICRS4]

Just adding my experience FWIW. I have a 2013 and had the issue where it needed nearly constant steering correction when going straight at highway speeds. As far as tracking into ruts or uneven pavement, I never noticed that being worse than other cars. I disabled DSR first which helped some, then replaced the subframe brace with the X-brace from 034. I’ve been happy ever since. As for allocation of the benefit, I would say it was close to a 50/50 split between disabling DSR and the X-brace. I never had the feeling of magnets pulling the steering wheel like agentsmith988 describes, though. It was more subtle than that.

You don't seem to be the only one. I've read of x braces and strut tower brace "fixes". These only seem like bandaids for a more serious underlying issue. Truth since it's known that Audi has released at least one TSB for this issue, and others have reported the issue vanishes once they upgrade to a new rack (which I'd assume also has more current software. I refuse to add additional aftermarket hardware as a bandaid in an attempt to get the car to perform as it should have from the factory.

[agentsmith988]

I agree with your "band-aid fix" mentality. I didn't want to just mask a fault.. I wanted it fixed.

Here's a video I found back when I was troubleshooting my own issue that goes over the many issues that can crop up on this rack style. The rack I received from BuyAutoParts had a few tags on it written in German and featured the MSG logo.

[1SICRS4]

I agree with your "band-aid fix" mentality. I didn't want to just mask a fault.. I wanted it fixed.

Here's a video I found back when I was troubleshooting my own issue that goes over the many issues that can crop up on this rack style. The rack I received from BuyAutoParts had a few tags on it written in German and featured the MSG logo.

Yeah, I came across this yesterday while I was trying to get more info. I called Audi service and parts this morning and asked them what the most current part number is for the rack and control module. Per that conversation the most current rack part number is: 8K1423055AN and the most current control module part number is:8K0909144Q

[1SICRS4]

Yeah, I came across this yesterday while I was trying to get more info. I called Audi service and parts this morning and asked them what the most current part number is for the rack and control module. Per that conversation the most current rack part number is: 8K1423055AN and the most current control module part number is:8K0909144Q

Except they weren't able to tell me if that was for vehicles with or without dynamic steering, so basically useless. Also for what I can see when I Google that part number, it isn't a dynamic rack.

[1SICRS4]

The shop checked the software which is up to date. They believe what I'm experiencing has to do with the intermediate shaft, though they don't see any physical damage to it. They also do not see any damage to the rack itself. They recommend replacing the intermediate shaft. Per Audi they say that the most recent part number for the rack is 8K1423055AN searched by my VIN, except that part number doesn't appear to be compatible with cars having dynamic steering. What I'm seeing is that the part number for vehicles with dynamic steering is 8K1423055AQ.

[agentsmith988]

The shop checked the software which is up to date. They believe what I'm experiencing has to do with the intermediate shaft, though they don't see any physical damage to it. They also do not see any damage to the rack itself. They recommend replacing the intermediate shaft. Per Audi they say that the most recent part number for the rack is 8K1423055AN searched by my VIN, except that part number doesn't appear to be compatible with cars having dynamic steering. What I'm seeing is that the part number for vehicles with dynamic steering is 8K1423055AQ.

You are correct. You need 8K1423055AQ if you have dynamic steering.

I started out trying to clean and lubricate my intermediate shaft when I was diagnosing my rack. You can easily remove it and inspect it by moving it around to see if it's binding at all.

You're most likely not going to see external defects on the rack itself. Most of the issues are caused by water ingress. You'd have to remove the control module/tear down the rack to actually inspect it.

[1SICRS4]

Picked my car up from the shop yesterday after they replaced the intermediate shaft, retorqued suspension components, and completed an alignment. The car does feel stiffer overall, however, it did not entirely eliminate the issues I've been having. Movement off of the 12 o'clock position and tracking off course are still noticeable. My shop does not believe that the replacement of the rack will eliminate those issues. It seems like everyone else who's experienced this and has replaced their rack no longer has these issues. My conundrum now is, do I spend roughly $3k to replace a part that my shop doesn't believe will resolve anything?

[agentsmith988]

If it doesn't bother you that much right now you could always have BuyAutoParts notify you when a remanufactured rack comes in stock. With a coupon code (they always seem to have one available) you can keep the rack price under $900.

[hunter_killer]

At what mileage have you guys seen this issue arise? I’ve noticed a lot more sloppy steering when going down the road ever since I got new tires installed. I’m at 101k miles but just had tires done 1k miles ago. Seems like an odd coincidence, but I never had this prior. It wants to wonder sometimes, some times it takes barely any movement in the wheel to make the car go left or right, and sometimes it feels like it’s sitting on a high point directly straight on the steering wheel and I’m driving with magnets on either side pushing me (as stated previously).


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[Ashtonts]

At what mileage have you guys seen this issue arise? I’ve noticed a lot more sloppy steering when going down the road ever since I got new tires installed. I’m at 101k miles but just had tires done 1k miles ago. Seems like an odd coincidence, but I never had this prior. It wants to wonder sometimes, some times it takes barely any movement in the wheel to make the car go left or right, and sometimes it feels like it’s sitting on a high point directly straight on the steering wheel and I’m driving with magnets on either side pushing me (as stated previously).


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

My rack the bed right under 100k miles. Started making noise and then I got a dynamic steering fault warning.

[hunter_killer]

My rack the bed right under 100k miles. Started making noise and then I got a dynamic steering fault warning.

I don’t have any noise nor a fault light but I won’t hold my breath on either of those not popping up.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[1SICRS4]

The issue is that no one is able to tell me the appropriate part # for the car. When Audi runs the VIN # they're showing that my car should use the rack without dynamic steering. I called Audi North America and asked for a build sheet for the car. They told me that they don't offer build sheets for cars 2014 or older.

[1SICRS4]

Yes they had it on record with my VIN and also said that the software number 8K0909144F linked up with having 48K8 flashed (not really sure how true this is so take it with a grain of salt).

When they complete an update with ODIS I believe it sends a notification to their central server where information pertaining to that VIN # s is stored. This is what I've heard.

[agentsmith988]

When they complete an update with ODIS I believe it sends a notification to their central server where information pertaining to that VIN # s is stored. This is what I've heard.

This is correct. But I've seen info come back from the mothership through ODIS that was just about as reliable as VAG's VIN/part number database.

As someone that has physically swapped out their own rack and has dynamic steering... 8K1423055AQ is the correct part number. Sounds like you just need to find out if you have a dynamic rack or not.

When you change the steering option in ADS between Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic can you feel the ratio change? I can definitely feel a difference between Comfort and Dynamic with my rack. Especially at parking lot speeds.

I also believe that the ADS screen will differentiate between Dynamic Steering and Steering as seen here:

[mrpeterparker]

To add info to this ...

I have a 2014 S4 - and the proper replacement DYNAMIC rack for my VIN split is 8k1423055an

It does continue a different component module named RCevo instead of RCEPS. So it requires ODIS to do a SVM entry of XCHG44A001

Programs up and functioning as it should!