heavy steering

[rasA4]

i dont know if this is common accross other audis i think when turning into a road for example ( at low speeds) i think the steering is quite heavy i dont think it should be this heavy its a 2.4 v6 engine

thoughts please
thanks in advance

 

[m_o_w_g_l_i]

Tyre pressures too low on the front tyres or low fluid level in the Power Steering reservoir???

 

[AndyMac]

Yeah, definately something wrong, you should be able to achieve lock to lock with the palm of one hand at slow speed.

 

[FezzR]

pump failure isnt uncommon on A4s

 

[rasA4]

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Yeah, definately something wrong, you should be able to achieve lock to lock with the palm of one hand at slow speed.

[/ QUOTE ]
is yours really light steering ? my fathers honda accord 92 j is a dream to park can turn with one finger . i can turn withone hand but still heavy on my car im think may be due to heavy engine what size is your engine

 

[CraigM]

My 2.8 isn't heavy at all - unless you don't give it enough revs when parking and almost stall.......not that I ever do that!

Have you checked the power steering fluid level and tried getting rid of any air trapped in the system - drive the front wheels onto a couple of glossy magazines (to act as turntables) and turn the steering form full lock to lock several times to release any trapped air. Don't hold it on full lock for more than a couple of seconds though.

 

[AndyMac]

2.8, like Craigs

 

[albgut1]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't hold it on full lock for more than a couple of seconds though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why so? What will happen?

 

[CraigM]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Don't hold it on full lock for more than a couple of seconds though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why so? What will happen?

[/ QUOTE ]

You will overheat the fluid.

 

[m_o_w_g_l_i]

[ QUOTE ]
Tyre pressures too low on the front tyres

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the cheapest and easiest to go for first. Since the weather has turned cooler I found mine had dropped 3 PSI on all 4 tyres in the last 2 weeks. My other halfs Ibiza GTi had done the same.

 

[rasA4]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Tyre pressures too low on the front tyres

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the cheapest and easiest to go for first. Since the weather has turned cooler I found mine had dropped 3 PSI on all 4 tyres in the last 2 weeks. My other halfs Ibiza GTi had done the same.

[/ QUOTE ]

what pressure do u recommend its already 32psi i have 17" 225/45

i dont think its really that heavy when driving around town mainly at really low speeds and parking.

 

[m_o_w_g_l_i]

On 17's no idea to be honest, mine are std and found that 320 is about right.

 

[28v6]

Actually, 32 psi is about right for 17's..

Try a change of fluid, not always done on a service (If any) could be that your fluid is past its sell by date and weak.. Jack the car up at the front and undo the return line, then place a basin underneath and go lock to lock without the engine running (Provided of course the wheels are clear of the deck!) and drain. Then reconnect and refill working the steering lock to lock as you go, this will remove any air bubbles as you go and all should return to normal...

 

[AndyMac]

Make sure you use VAG mineral oil, not any of the high st PAS fluid.

You're tyres would have to be seriously flat to induce noticeable heavy steering