Steering correction/notchy

AshA4

AshA4

Ash
Joined
Sep 15, 2004
Messages
285
Reaction score
39
Points
28
Location
Newport, South Wales
I have noticed an issue since owning this b8.5 with the steering when wheel is straigh/centred, not sure how to word this, it's not tram lining (although the 19s like do this when in ruts) but feels more like the electronic steering is constantly adjusting itself slightly from left to right, as if it refuses to stay straight, resulting in me having to correct it back to straight again or it would start turning the car offline, this only happens when driving in straight line, so as said when centered and feels kind of notchy movement left or right.
As said does not do it all the time.
Anyone else noticed this?
 
Loads of threads on this, I've commented on loads of them myself.

Basically the electric steering is c***, but you can reduce the effect somewhat. It also seems some cars are more affected by it than others, my car was very, very sensitive to tyre pressures.

So start with pressurse, the Audi door sticker for my 3.0TDI Quattro on 19" wheels, said to use 42psi in front. They so wrong, dropping to 36psi made this problem better, made the comfort better, anf after 15k miles all the tyre were perfectly evenly worn. Then add the fact that I checked 3 tyre manufacturer websites for this size tyre and they all recommended 36psi too.

Start with this and see how you go. I also found the effect lessened as the tyres wore down, with 3mm of tread and 35psi in fronts, the effect of wandering was nearly gone. Put a new set of winter tyres on and it was back big time.

Dealer checked mine over, initially they reflashed a steering update "48K4" or something like that, this made it safe at hght speed, but it still continued to wander between 50 to 90mph, I also drove other Audis and found them similir, it's a nature of the beast thing, stopped me buying another one, for now at least.

Check this update been done and your pressures.
 
Audi.Quattro said:
Loads of threads on this, I've commented on loads of them myself.

Basically the electric steering is c***, but you can reduce the effect somewhat. It also seems some cars are more affected by it than others, my car was very, very sensitive to tyre pressures.

So start with pressurse, the Audi door sticker for my 3.0TDI Quattro on 19" wheels, said to use 42psi in front. They so wrong, dropping to 36psi made this problem better, made the comfort better, anf after 15k miles all the tyre were perfectly evenly worn. Then add the fact that I checked 3 tyre manufacturer websites for this size tyre and they all recommended 36psi too.

Start with this and see how you go. I also found the effect lessened as the tyres wore down, with 3mm of tread and 35psi in fronts, the effect of wandering was nearly gone. Put a new set of winter tyres on and it was back big time.

Dealer checked mine over, initially they reflashed a steering update "48K4" or something like that, this made it safe at hght speed, but it still continued to wander between 50 to 90mph, I also drove other Audis and found them similir, it's a nature of the beast thing, stopped me buying another one, for now at least.

Check this update been done and your pressures.
Click to expand...

Cheers,
I have my TP set at max load settings as per Audi recommendations so 44/45 (always ran my last B8 the same, albeit on 18" and without the electric steering)
I will try 36 front, what pressure you put in the back tyres?
Will also check my car has had the 48k4 update also.

Thanks again.
 
Audi.Quattro said:
33psi in rears
Click to expand...

Wow continental actually quite 2.5. (36) and 2.2 (33) for these 255/40/19s
I know the car is heavy with the 3.0TDi lump but 42/38 stock is way over the recommended for the tyres!

What's everyone else with the 3.0TDi running as a comparison please?
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    21.9 KB · Views: 416
Last edited:
AshA4 said:
Gone with 36/36 for now, steering feels tighter and less skittish
Click to expand...
Mines 41 front and 36 rear as I've just set them. I got mine with pressure of 45 front and 42 rear which is way above what the sticker on the inside of the door suggests. Not noticed anything unusual with the steering but will pay more attention now.
Do the rear LED tail lights on yours stay on even during day driving? Mine don't but I was wandering whether they can be set to stay on like the fronts.
 
OK so Cardiff Audi have checked the car, the Tech asked the service desk if 48K4 recall had been done b4 even driving my car, he knew all about it lol
He said that "Audi Tech" require 48K4 be done two times before they will allow a "not for public knowledge" software fix to be applied, which mine is having Thursday so will see if that sorts it out.

On a bonus side, I also had road noise that was diagnosed as two screwed tyres, so after some "haggling" with Plymouth Audi the sales manager caved and paid for two new front tyres (these should have been changed b4 i picked the car up apparently...)
 
Let us know if it improves after the fix.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AshA4
Change of plan, Cardiff Audi called today, Audi Tech have said to change the steering rack and not the new software as thought by local Tech.
So it's booked in for two days for a new rack on Monday.
Wonder what I will get to play with for two days?
 
Exactly what i was moaning about a year ago with my B8.5 3.o TDi too
The new rack gave me about a 90% better feel, but the pressures as pointed out before early in the tread are key too, i run 36 front now too.
Also i totally agree with the tyre mm also, i found the same, when about 3mm, car had never felt so good, and then got a brand new set of Conti 5's and back to the issues again.Tyres are very key to this issue also. I did try a set of Rainsport 3's and to be honest were fantastic! only i got moaned at by Audi all the time to get them off, hence the Conti 5's now, should have stuck with Rainsport 3's £99 for 255/35/R19 and A grip, i should have known better, Audi dont really have a clue over this, it's down to us, we drive the car we know how it feels.
But a new Steering rack should sort you, it has virtually mine, goood luck :)
 
steve.askew said:
Exactly what i was moaning about a year ago with my B8.5 3.o TDi too
The new rack gave me about a 90% better feel, but the pressures as pointed out before early in the tread are key too, i run 36 front now too.
Also i totally agree with the tyre mm also, i found the same, when about 3mm, car had never felt so good, and then got a brand new set of Conti 5's and back to the issues again.Tyres are very key to this issue also. I did try a set of Rainsport 3's and to be honest were fantastic! only i got moaned at by Audi all the time to get them off, hence the Conti 5's now, should have stuck with Rainsport 3's £99 for 255/35/R19 and A grip, i should have known better, Audi dont really have a clue over this, it's down to us, we drive the car we know how it feels.
But a new Steering rack should sort you, it has virtually mine, goood luck :)
Click to expand...

Yeah I hope so mate.
I will be trying Michelin PS3s next as they are meant to further reduce tram lining on these rims.
 
I have this same weird feeling when at motorway speeds and going round a bend. It feels like the steering wheel is forcing itself to the centre position. I had a look around, and I might try this the VCDS tweak mentioned in this post: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/533535-2013-Steering-Issues-VAG-COM-Fix
I can always reverse the change if it makes it worse. I'm also running Continental tyres, but I'm likely to go for Good Year F1 Asyms next or Michelin PS3
 
alpesh26 said:
I have this same weird feeling when at motorway speeds and going round a bend. It feels like the steering wheel is forcing itself to the centre position. I had a look around, and I might try this the VCDS tweak mentioned in this post: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/533535-2013-Steering-Issues-VAG-COM-Fix
I can always reverse the change if it makes it worse. I'm also running Continental tyres, but I'm likely to go for Good Year F1 Asyms next or Michelin PS3
Click to expand...

Nice find on the VCDS setting, will see if the rack sorts mine first though.
 
A few people seem to say the steering rack is the biggest culprit. I'll try the VCDS setting and report back early/mid next week after I've driven it for a bit. If it doesn't work, I'm going to take it back to Audi
 
  • Like
Reactions: AshA4
Just to update on this, I made the change via vcds, took the car for a drive and it's made it much better. The steering overall is heavier (I'm used to this from my B7) but not heavy enough to give you an arm workout. Will see how it is on the motorway next week but it felt more stable on the dual carriageway
 
  • Like
Reactions: AshA4
alpesh26 said:
Just to update on this, I made the change via vcds, took the car for a drive and it's made it much better. The steering overall is heavier (I'm used to this from my B7) but not heavy enough to give you an arm workout. Will see how it is on the motorway next week but it felt more stable on the dual carriageway
Click to expand...
Nice work, keep me posted
 
3.0 TDI, on 17's and run 34psi all round with full dynamic option from factory
 
Bit of feedback on the vcds mod, it seems to have made the steering much better when driving it to and from work today.
I wanted to give it the beans on one of the bends but some moron in a convertible bmw decided to cut me off without indicating...anyway, the notchy feeling was much less pronounced, it's still there but it's probably around 80% better so it's definitely worth doing if you're experiencing this issue.

I have 19" wheels with 44psi in the back and 39psi in the front (as per the door sticker). Tyres are continental sport contact 3
 
[QUOTE="I have 19" wheels with 44psi in the back and 39psi in the front (as per the door sticker). Tyres are continental sport contact 3[/QUOTE]

Woah, sure you have read that right dude ?
44 in the rears seems very high to me even if your fully loaded.
 
AshA4 said:
Change of plan, Cardiff Audi called today, Audi Tech have said to change the steering rack and not the new software as thought by local Tech.
So it's booked in for two days for a new rack on Monday.
Wonder what I will get to play with for two days?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't trust Cardiff Audi with walking the dog after my recent experiences! I had the dreaded oil consumption rebuild and the experience alone was bad.. I recently checked my engine bay and found bonnet torx screws loose and some missing still laying on the bonnet drain paths. What else have they missed? It's booked in for a service soon with another dealer and I will be enquiring about the repair!!
Anyway, if steering isn't perfect, start with fitting decent new quality tyres! I have just fitted Hankook Evos and they have made a huge difference.
If on 19's then 2.5 bar pressure front and 2.4 rear should be the dogs!!
A steering rack is a very expensive job outside of warranty and rarely needed!
 
Mike J said:
I wouldn't trust Cardiff Audi with walking the dog after my recent experiences! I had the dreaded oil consumption rebuild and the experience alone was bad.. I recently checked my engine bay and found bonnet torx screws loose and some missing still laying on the bonnet drain paths. What else have they missed? It's booked in for a service soon with another dealer and I will be enquiring about the repair!!
Anyway, if steering isn't perfect, start with fitting decent new quality tyres! I have just fitted Hankook Evos and they have made a huge difference.
If on 19's then 2.5 bar pressure front and 2.4 rear should be the dogs!!
A steering rack is a very expensive job outside of warranty and rarely needed!
Click to expand...
Shame you had bad service from Cardiff mate.
To be fair they have been spot on so far with my motor, I am a picky **** and they know what I am like ;)
I always give the car a good check after work has been done but I will be extra vigilant after this work, so thanks for the heads up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tfsi gone
My car was with them for a while and I fired off a few emails to both Audi UK and Head of Business at Cardiff Audi. Long shot is, I didn't get a courtesy car for two weeks even though my car was undergoing a £5500 repair. I've dealt with them in the past and wasn't impressed! Car in at Bridgend Audi in 2 weeks...
 
Mike J said:
My car was with them for a while and I fired off a few emails to both Audi UK and Head of Business at Cardiff Audi. Long shot is, I didn't get a courtesy car for two weeks even though my car was undergoing a £5500 repair. I've dealt with them in the past and wasn't impressed! Car in at Bridgend Audi in 2 weeks...
Click to expand...
I have come from Bridgend, I had no problems with them either, just travel time from Newport and I work near Cardiff Gate.
Strange on the courtesy car, as mine is in for two days and they gave me a brand new A6 2.0tdi Ultra BE, they even wavered the £10 a day when they put me on their insurance?
 
I'm sure mine will be waived as its a free service from Audi UK. I'd rather an S4 as courtsy. Always get a diesel A3 yawn...
 
Lets see happens. I won't be paying nothing - cars just had a rebuild, new brakes and tyres. Hope Bridgend Audi are better than Audi Cardiff..
Otherwise a new post will be looming!
 
Last edited:
alpesh26 said:
I thought the same, so I had a look on the Internet and it seems correct. I have the same door sticker as post 6 in this thread: http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/a4-dynamik-255-35-19-tyre-pressure.148256/
It still seems a bit odd though, I'm used to having all the pressures around 32-33 in my previous cars
Click to expand...

Fair enough, but I think the 44psi rears is for the odd occasion you might have 5 adults in the car plus a fully loaded boot ?
For 2 adults and 2 kids or 3 adults it's 35psi. If it's mainly just you, could probably go down a touch on that even.
 
Any difference really?? A new Steering rack on a few years old car is ******! Fitting decent new tyres with a proper balance and tracking (by Audi) will make a massive diff!
 
Mike J said:
Any difference really?? A new Steering rack on a few years old car is ******! Fitting decent new tyres with a proper balance and tracking (by Audi) will make a massive diff!
Click to expand...

Too early to tell for sure, but the steering is a lot tighter and more responsive.
The rack is a modified part to deal with this exact issue when the software recall did not work.
My car was the first of the facelift in Sept 2012 so changing a major part to correct a wide spread fault with this model does not seem that far out too me.
I am all for decent tyres, I am also well experienced in Hunter/Beissbarth alignment and RFB, while all of these help massively with straight line driving, road noise and vibration, none of them would correct a fault with electronic steering having issues with its Center calibration point, a software fix or hardware relating to steering would.
I played with tyre pressures, had two different sets of fronts and none of this made much of a difference.
None of it has cost me anything, nor has it inconvenienced me, so why would I not let Audi change the rack if that's what Audi Tech said to do.
Time will tell for sure.
 
AshA4 said:
Too early to tell for sure, but the steering is a lot tighter and more responsive.
The rack is a modified part to deal with this exact issue when the software recall did not work.
My car was the first of the facelift in Sept 2012 so changing a major part to correct a wide spread fault with this model does not seem that far out too me.
I am all for decent tyres, I am also well experienced in Hunter/Beissbarth alignment and RFB, while all of these help massively with straight line driving, road noise and vibration, none of them would correct a fault with electronic steering having issues with its Center calibration point, a software fix or hardware relating to steering would.
I played with tyre pressures, had two different sets of fronts and none of this made much of a difference.
None of it has cost me anything, nor has it inconvenienced me, so why would I not let Audi change the rack if that's what Audi Tech said to do.
Time will tell for sure.
Click to expand...

How's the new steering rack? I still find the steering numb on the b8 compared to the b7. I think it's the lack of weight to it
 
alpesh26 said:
How's the new steering rack? I still find the steering numb on the b8 compared to the b7. I think it's the lack of weight to it
Click to expand...
I find my b8 steering to be far more light nimble and precise than my b7 which I had for over 4 years. Recently changed the TP to 37 all around and it seems to suit the car. Haven't had any issues with the steering. I'm taking it on a 2500 m mile round trip to Italy tomorrow so am sure I'll notice anything a miss.
 
alpesh26 said:
How's the new steering rack? I still find the steering numb on the b8 compared to the b7. I think it's the lack of weight to it
Click to expand...

Have you tried switching on the Drive select steering option in VCDS?
Works well IMO & gives a good feeling over standard
 
xpoweruk said:
Have you tried switching on the Drive select steering option in VCDS?
Works well IMO & gives a good feeling over standard
Click to expand...

I haven't got Drive Select :frown new:. I wonder if I can force the steering only into Dynamic with VCDS?
 
xpoweruk said:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/433578-Compiled-Drive-Select-VAG-COM-codes :)
Click to expand...

Cheers, I have the (poor) Concert unit fitted so I cant enable the settings through the MMI as there's no hidden menu. I'll try and set the below and see how it is anyway:

[09 - Cent Elect.]

Byte 7 ; Bit 5 change 0 to 1
Byte 8 Bit 1 Change 0 to 1 - Enable Dynamic SteeringStiffness (Definitely stiffens steeringon my car - a lot)
Byte 8 Bit 2 Change 0 to 1 - Enable Engine (Improved throttle response)

It's going into Audi tomorrow as the drivers side manual door lock has seized, so I'll see if they can put the software update on it to correct the steering.
 
Should work on any car with Servotronic steering
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Notchy steering
Replies
0
Views
823
gregpot2000
G
Hear-Vier
Washer Jet direction correction
Replies
13
Views
12K
Meemo
Meemo
Scott.T
6-Speed MT Gear Box Oil (Notchy Shift)
Replies
9
Views
4K
Scott.T
Scott.T
a43.0v6tdi
3.0 TDI egr correction vcds
Replies
4
Views
10K
20v-quattro
20v-quattro
S
Steering noise
Replies
10
Views
1K
Stew1869
S
Top
Back