Notchy steering

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Nardies

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I'd like to get some experience from other owners before I go and moan at Audi.

I've noticed, particularly on motorway runs that the electric steering on my A3 is very notchy, and by that I mean if the wheel is dead centre and I need to make a small correction it's not a smooth action when I turn the wheel, but there's a lot of force trying to pull it back to centre.

Travelling up the M1 the other day at a normal speed (in efficiency mode) I was struggling to get the car to follow the bend of the road, as a small correction seemed to make the car lurch in that direction, whereas you'd expect small corrections to be smooth.

Coming from a Scirocco which presumably had the same set up and never had this issue, I can only assume something isn't right?!

Has anyone else experienced this?
 
Is you car fitted with the lane assist feature, as I believe that tries to keep you in the lane by using the sterring to pull you back in ?
 
I have the same problem. But we are not alone, mate.
It's a problem for the hole range of models with elektro mechanical steering. I've spoken with the dealer but they don't know what to do about it. On some german A3 8v forums they also talk about it. Some have gotten new steering system fitted, and it help. But for some it returns in a couple of days.
I'm in for a checkup next week. It's the first reportet A3 8v with this problem i denmark, so the HQ wants to se if it's just like the other models.
 
No lane assist that I'm aware of.

At least I know I'm not going crazy. On the whole, the steering works well (though a slight lack of feel) but the dodgy motorway steering is unacceptable
 
Have you tried different settings on the "drive select" button ?
 
number3 said:
Have you tried different settings on the "drive select" button ?
Click to expand...

I have, happens across the board. It isn't noticeable all the time, mainly on motorways or also when the car is cold.
 
Worth a shot! Touch wood I don't get this problem which is why I though it might be down to settings! but I did on a courtesy i had last month from the dealer, which was an A5 so do know the issue your talking about !

Mark.
 
Think mine may well be developing this little issue. Noticed it for the first time yesterday whilst on the motorway. Its very subtle but you can feel it, as if your steering past a notch for a fraction of a second. Tried it in two different drive select settings and its seems to make no difference. Only noticeable when sat on the motorway. Whether its coincidence too after about 20min of driving the "rest recommendation" warning is being triggered. Not sure what this warning takes its inputs from but i'm assuming steering patterns are monitored.
 
I've had my car since Aug 2014 and have just noticed this issue when on a long motorway drive. It's the first time I've driven it on the motorway for around 1hr 20min. It's like the steering goes quite stiff and because your having to use more force than usual just for the slightest steer, it's like it slips past being stuck and steers a bit too much... Are people still having this problem & what have you had done about it?
 
EPAS do have some form of speed dependant assistance and they are designed to get heavier the faster the car goes. Maybe there is a issue with the calibration...
 
I had the steering rack replaced under warranty for this fault, know of several others who have had the same. Same fault across other MQB platform cars as well.
 
Johan said:
I had the steering rack replaced under warranty for this fault, know of several others who have had the same. Same fault across other MQB platform cars as well.
Click to expand...
cuke2u said:
EPAS do have some form of speed dependant assistance and they are designed to get heavier the faster the car goes. Maybe there is a issue with the calibration...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll definitely be booking it in, between that and the Hold Assist causing a jolt it's quite annoying because they are both spoiling the enjoyment of driving it!
 
How did people get on with this problem? Mine has just gone in today for the same thing. Considering most miles are motorway its become irritiating!
 
Ricko15 said:
How did people get on with this problem? Mine has just gone in today for the same thing. Considering most miles are motorway its become irritiating!
Click to expand...

They replaced my steering rack and it's been perfect since. The first time it went in they said it was tyre pressure. This time they said they had to speak to Audi UK as they thought it was just a characteristic, however Audi UK have heard it from a number of dealers and advised them to replace the steering rack.
 
So did your steering feel like flat tyres when going round corners? I have feeling just now but my tyre pressures are perfect. Just doesn't feel right.
 
AndyB-S3 said:
So did your steering feel like flat tyres when going round corners? I have feeling just now but my tyre pressures are perfect. Just doesn't feel right.
Click to expand...

Mine was more like it was getting stuck when the steering was central between speeds of 40-70mph. It would take a bit more pressure to steer from central, causing a notchy feeling. There was no issues in terms of turning corners etc.
 
SJR88 said:
Mine was more like it was getting stuck when the steering was central between speeds of 40-70mph. It would take a bit more pressure to steer from central, causing a notchy feeling. There was no issues in terms of turning corners etc.
Click to expand...
Mine was the same, been in to audi today and they said it was a characteristic of the electro mechanical steering. I'm not buying that, got a good motorway run tomorrow. If it's still the same it's going back.
 
Ricko15 said:
Mine was the same, been in to audi today and they said it was a characteristic of the electro mechanical steering. I'm not buying that, got a good motorway run tomorrow. If it's still the same it's going back.
Click to expand...
Just tell them to ring Audi UK. There's no way it's a characteristic - if Audi were building cars with such a characteristic they're going to lose a lot of customers because in my opinion it's something that makes me feel uneasy and unconfident in the steering. Another thing... The fact that they've managed to fix mine (and others, by replacing steering rack) proves that there obviously was an issue and not a characteristic.
 
SJR88 said:
Just tell them to ring Audi UK. There's no way it's a characteristic - if Audi were building cars with such a characteristic they're going to lose a lot of customers because in my opinion it's something that makes me feel uneasy and unconfident in the steering. Another thing... The fact that they've managed to fix mine (and others, by replacing steering rack) proves that there obviously was an issue and not a characteristic.
Click to expand...
Yeah I agree, It's awkward trying to make smooth progress on the motorway. I'll get back onto them, one chance is enough for them, although to be fair other warranty items have been sorted so far with no fuss at all.
 
Ricko15 said:
Yeah I agree, It's awkward trying to make smooth progress on the motorway. I'll get back onto them, one chance is enough for them, although to be fair other warranty items have been sorted so far with no fuss at all.
Click to expand...

I think they'll fix it for you, it's just a shame you usually have to fight for some things to be fixed. Good luck anyway.
 
Same as above, firstly they checked tyres, suspension etc and then rang audi UK who got them to replace the steering rack and it's been fine ever since.
 
I swapped the steering wheel from an S3 into my girlfriends 2015 A3 TDI and thought maybe I somehow installed it wrong but this thread certainly indicates otherwise. And because I'm certain I installed it properly. I had installed the wheel when there were very few miles on the car so we weren't sure if it had done it before.

When driving around at ~40mph it takes some extra effort to move the wheel from center. Vehicle stopped, the steering wheel moves back and forth with no sign of extra effort or hang-ups.
 
Last edited:
Mine was the same, went back to audi who did an "audi fix" on it. I think they said they disconnected the battery and the static went from the steering, but now it feels fine on the motorway, though i'll give it six months and see if it returns.
 
Ricko15 said:
Mine was the same, been in to audi today and they said it was a characteristic of the electro mechanical steering. I'm not buying that, got a good motorway run tomorrow. If it's still the same it's going back.
Click to expand...

Exactly the response I got. I don't suppose you have any reference number or something? They said to me they had raised a quality report on it, but unless they get many others doing the same then it won't be done. I might ring Audi UK myself?
 
/dev/null said:
Exactly the response I got. I don't suppose you have any reference number or something? They said to me they had raised a quality report on it, but unless they get many others doing the same then it won't be done. I might ring Audi UK myself?
Click to expand...
No nothing, on the statement it said "audi fix" customer to test, though I have seen other people say they've had their steering racks replaced. Yeah go for it best to speak to a professional
 
Yes i know...""Holy Thread Revival"" but I have been meaning to ask for a while but kept forgetting..

To those who have had problems, when turning in circle full lock did your steering feel notchy/peculiar at this point?

Reason i ask is when i do this it does feel peculiar. I am not sure it is to do with steering/ camber of wheels/ or other.

Am having it looked at after my holiday in a couple weeks as when it was in for a service the tech couldn't establish if it was weird or normal. He was going to check against stock car but one of the managers was away with the keys.

Just wanted to ask 1st before it goes back in for the day..

Cheers
 
Same here with the "notch". Moving the steering left to right and back seems to restore normality.
 
AndyB-S3 said:
Yes i know...""Holy Thread Revival"" but I have been meaning to ask for a while but kept forgetting..

To those who have had problems, when turning in circle full lock did your steering feel notchy/peculiar at this point?

Reason i ask is when i do this it does feel peculiar. I am not sure it is to do with steering/ camber of wheels/ or other.

Am having it looked at after my holiday in a couple weeks as when it was in for a service the tech couldn't establish if it was weird or normal. He was going to check against stock car but one of the managers was away with the keys.

Just wanted to ask 1st before it goes back in for the day..

Cheers
Click to expand...
Can't say I noticed anything on full lock, just on the motorway.
 
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