Squeaky steering!

jojo

jojo

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Any fellow A6 owners experience the squeaky steering problem?

Initially, I thought it was coming from the brakes, as the sound would happen when I released the brakes! But switching the sound system off, I finally twigged it was coming from the steering column. Doing a bit of research, it seems it's a common issue through the Audi range, and it only happens when the temps get warm(it was a hot day), and adjusting the steering column a little will help.

I never tried adjusting the steering column, as it was cool by the time I got back into the car after work, and the issue was no longer there.

Don't really fancy removing the air bag/steering wheel, just to lube things up!
 
O yes, had this issue on my new A6 that has now been rejected, Audi know about the issue (there is a TSB issued for the A6 & A7), and I was told the engineers in Germany were investigating the issue, but there was no fix available (as of 3 weeks ago) The TSB also states that the dealers must not touch the car until the issue has been resolved as the dealers would not reimbursed for any time the technicians spend on looking into the issue.

I was also told a week ago a possible fix for this issue has now been released, so it may be worth booking the car in with Audi to see if they have actually fixed the fault!
 
Adjusted my steering column today for a temporary fix. Just moving it up and down has little effect, you need to move it fore and aft.
 
I know a lot about this problem since I had this extensively and so many attempts by Audi to repair that in the end, they replaced the whole steering column. They will tell you they need to do things in the order with which Audi UK tell them to do it, even though the first option is temporary:

1. They will just add a silicon gel to lubricate the joint, which may not even work temporarily. Eventually the silicon wears away and stops working. They do this with wheel still attached - I got this blue or green gel (can't remember) all over my car when i got it back.

2. They will take off the steering wheel and replace some parts they say is the solution which must be causing it.

3. They will try other things until you forcefully complain, and in the end I needed a whole new steering column.

I can't remember specifics, but I had three Garages including Audi UK get involved. This even went all the way to Audi UK MD. It is like having a mouse in the wheel every time you touch it, but not always.

Just be careful to get it resolved completely before your warranty expires. Mine took 6 months to repair.
 
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woollyjoe said:
I know a lot about this problem since I had this extensively and so many attempts by Audi to repair that in the end, they replaced the whole steering column. They will tell you they need to do things in the order with which Audi UK tell them to do it, even though the first option is temporary:

1. They will just add a silicon gel to lubricate the joint, which may not even work temporarily. Eventually the silicon wears away and stops working. They do this with wheel still attached - I got this blue or green gel (can't remember) all over my car when i got it back.

2. They will take off the steering wheel and replace some parts they say is the solution which must be causing it.

3. They will try other things until you forcefully complain, and in the end I needed a whole new steering column.

I can't remember specifics, but I had three Garages including Audi UK get involved. This even went all the way to Audi UK MD. It is like having a mouse in the wheel every time you touch it, but not always.

Just be careful to get it resolved completely before your warranty expires. Mine took 6 months to repair.
Click to expand...
Lol! I think it's fair to say mine is out of warranty already! The squeaking has gone with the cooler temps and steering column adjustment, I've actually forgot about it...
 
Audi should fix the fault if there is a know TSB, will try and find the number.
 
As above. My issue was raised almost 2 years ago and it was temperature sensitive as the squeak would come snd go.

They said it was bushings st one point, but ultimately no one knew why and nothing worked. So the whole steering unit was replaced in full. It seems to have worked but for all i know it could come back.
 
Should I turn up to collect my c7 with a big tube of ky jelly?
 
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Yes. In hindsight, I think bringing the KY with me would have helped how much Audi were a pain in my ****.

At least now it is recognised, but I had to convince Audi that the issue required more than lube. Then the bushings were changed. In the end they couldn't fix it and changed the whole steering column unit. Would be interested in know what it is as it could still come back.
 
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