New S4 - Steering issue already :(

[5551]

I picked up my new S4 on Thursday and since the first drive I've been experiencing an issue with the steering. In case anyone else has found this too I thought it worth posting up.

I can replicate it frequently doing roughly the same action and it goes something like this: Go straight/minimal steering angle for a distance, slow down to turn left or right (right turns have been more frequent) and the steering resistance feels like it hits a 'notch' around 45 degrees and I have to put roughly 4x the force to move it. Effectively the steering wheel refuses to turn which is a rather disconcerting feeling to say the least. When I do force it, it goes passed this ‘notch’ there’s a loud plasticy click like there was something obstructing the wheel from turning. I've been 5 miles at 70+, 1/4 mile at 60mph down to 200 yards at 20mph before making a more pronounced wheel movement so it's not dependant on those factors from what I can see.

I've set the steering to auto, comfort and dynamic and get the same issue and I've also moved the wheel position around with still no joy so it has to be a physical issue in the steering system.

I took it back to Audi on the first day after collection and couldn't replicate it - as is always the case - but every day it's done it so today I went to speak to the sales manager and he's going to arrange for it to be collected Monday.

Has anyone else experienced such an issue?

 

[cuke2u]

Does the click come from inside the shroud around the top of the column?

 

[5551]

It does indeed. I can feel the click through the wheel too.

 

[Kestrel]

I think you'll find this has something to do with the cancelling of the indicators.

 

[5551]

It's happening with and without indicators on. Does that make any difference? The clicking is not the same as when it cancels them. It's much louder, like a snapping sound.

I expect they'll take the shroud off and take a look Monday. ****** frustrating considering the cost of the damn thing.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

It's happening with and without indicators on. Does that make any difference? The clicking is not the same as when it cancels them. It's much louder, like a snapping sound.

I expect they'll take the shroud off and take a look Monday. ****** frustrating considering the cost of the damn thing.

I've had this a few times bud in my S4 and it's only with indicator on too. Very hard click. Caught me off guard. But not frequent.


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[5551]

This issue isn't the click/snapping sound (it's much louder than a regular cancellation click) as that happens after the main problem which is the steering suddenly locks up and has to be snapped with force to turn again.

 

[cuke2u]

The clicking will happen whether, or whether not, the indicators are being used. Kestrel is quite correct...

 

[5551]

Ok I'll be a bit more clear. It's not a clicking that repeats during all steering this is a single loud snapping sound that happens after the steering locks up forcing me to apply a stupid amount of force to make the wheels turn. Once I've overcome, by force, whatever is causing the lock up it "snaps" back to normal allowing me to turn the wheel as it should.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Ok I'll be a bit more clear. It's not a clicking that repeats during all steering this is a single loud snapping sound that happens after the steering locks up forcing me to apply a stupid amount of force to make the wheels turn. Once I've overcome, by force, whatever is causing the lock up it "snaps" back to normal allowing me to turn the wheel as it should.

Understood. Just to clarify, the snapping sound I'm referring to isn't usual. It is indeed very hard and can feel a force. But...certainly doesn't seem to be as severe as your experience. Maybe steering wheel lock issue. Let's see what Audi say.


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[Alexander Thomson]

Worth popping up a wee video so owners can compare vs their cars?

 

[5551]

Worth popping up a wee video so owners can compare vs their cars?

If this was happening to others they'd know. The steering basically locks and won't turn without force to free it. I don't have a go pro harness to fit it anywhere so it'll be hard to video it as i'd need to drive around for a bit. It's going in Monday to Audi so I'll see what they find out. I've never had any car do this so it's certainly something serious. Makes the car dangerous to use.

 

[Spaceman_RS3]

Park it and call Audi assistance out and tell them it's unsafe to drive you will get replacement car and yours will be seen promptly

 

[5551]

I went out and recorded the issue this morning. What doesn't show up on this is how much force I had to use to move the wheel before I made it click back to normal operations. It's dangerous.

 

[EddieRS3]

I went out and recorded the issue this morning. What doesn't show up on this is how much force I had to use to move the wheel before I made it click back to normal operations. It's dangerous.

110% it should not be doing that.

Show them the video when you go in with the car, completely wrong.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

110% it should not be doing that.

Show them the video when you go in with the car, completely wrong.

Got to admit, this has actually happened on several occasions to me after seeing your recording. Oddly enough, it's always on the same junction. Turning into a very sharp right hand junction coming from several progressive left hand bends. Left...left again, indicate right to a near stop then sharp right. As I put the force into the sharp right, it does that exact sound.

I probably wasn't appreciating the force required to turn the wheel because the manoeuvre itself requires sharp turning. . Only on the same turn though. And irregular. Just got the car back from having a new MMI control unit installed haha.


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[Keef]

Wow can't arrguge with that evidence!
Will be keen to see what Audi say.
...nice production skills on the vid btw

 

[5551]

Ha thanks. Knocked it up in ten mins before I took the car back. Think I'll end up doing an ownership series at this rate.

I spoke with my sales guy and showed him the video. He was very apologetic and grateful I've been reasonable about it. If they fix it then great. If not then the car will be rejected and I'll take my deposit back.

Ball is in their court.

 

[Capitan]

Ha thanks. Knocked it up in ten mins before I took the car back. Think I'll end up doing an ownership series at this rate.

I spoke with my sales guy and showed him the video. He was very apologetic and grateful I've been reasonable about it. If they fix it then great. If not then the car will be rejected and I'll take my deposit back.

Ball is in their court.

Fair play to you mate. Paying good money for a nice product and experience! Not to mention the fact that actually could be dangerous! Good luck sorting it out, keep us updated


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[5551]

Got to admit, this has actually happened on several occasions to me after seeing your recording. Oddly enough, it's always on the same junction. Turning into a very sharp right hand junction coming from several progressive left hand bends. Left...left again, indicate right to a near stop then sharp right. As I put the force into the sharp right, it does that exact sound.

I probably wasn't appreciating the force required to turn the wheel because the manoeuvre itself requires sharp turning. . Only on the same turn though. And irregular. Just got the car back from having a new MMI control unit installed haha.

It's not just the extra force used, like it's weighting up as it would in dynamic for example, it's the sudden need to push beyond whatever is physically there and clearly whatever is causing that snapping sound when I push passed it.

 

[jimnastics]

Screw the lag thread, this is where the real danger is! That's nasty, and potentially lethal.

 

[Alexander Thomson]

Quite evidently not supposed to be doing that! Interested to see what Audi say about it. Hopefully the video is irrefutable evidence and they treat you fairly.

 

[The Saints]

I have a 5 month old A4 B9 and experienced similar this week, it's only happened once in 5 months and not had it again since
I was turning at relatively low speed around a right hand bend and hit a point of resistance, had to give it a jolt to avoid kerbing which was accompanied by the click you accurately represented in the video.
I'll be keen to know what the feedback from Audi is.

 

[5551]

Yep and fair treatment is all I'm after. Problems come up so they have a chance to show me what their aftercare is like.

The sales guy I've dealt with has emailed his boss and the service team to put this down as a priority and I don't want it back until they have found and fixed the issue, not taken a guess at it. I want to use the car and enjoy it, not troubleshoot it for any more miles which i don't think is unreasonable.

Let's see what this week brings.

 

[QTNC]

Out of interest, do you have Dynamic Steering?

 

[5551]

No I do not.

 

[Ad72]

Any update in this yet?


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[5551]

I haven't spoke to them and they haven't called yet. Will drop them a call later if I can. My sales guy is away until Thursday and I've got bigger things on my plate at the moment anyway.

Once I hear back I'll post up

 

[Dippy]

Great work on that vid @DG555 - I totally agree that this cannot be considered normal!

 

[5551]

Just got this from Audi (swish online system!)

"Good afternoon Mr X, Please see your vehicle's Audi Cam health check, sent to you by your vehicle's dedicated service technician. Investigated steering goes stiff and clicks. found slip ring faulty and requires replacing will also requires steering wheel retaining bolts. Your dedicated service technician will update you soon on estimated time for completion and parts availability. Kindest Regards, Roger Hughes Vehicle Health Check Specialist"

Comments, folks?

 

[Keef]

Wow, words like dangerous & unsafe spring to mind.... que the plethora of posts!

 

[Daggerit]

Wow. I agree with Keef on that one for sure. Unless they're one use bolts, which I would be surprised by, then I'd be curious why they have to replace the steering wheel retaining bolts!

 

[RAF_S7]

One use bolts.

 

[Ad72]

Seems like a relatively simple fix for a faulty component (clock spring assembly). Could be something broken in side or even the spring itself moving and snagging. Not ideal especially on a new car but certainly not an invasive repair or anything I would consider dangerous. Fingers crossed it cures it for you.

 

[Alexander Thomson]

Hopefully they give you a decent loaner whilst it's being patched up. I imagine if they've identified the fault, the column is dismantled by now, so shouldn't be in for too long...? Pure speculation of course.

From experience, you don't get to know the true meaning of service from a dealer until something goes up the creek and you need a fix - here's hoping it's a positive experience for you.

 

[cuke2u]

One use bolts.

Quite, they did state found slip ring faulty and requires replacing will also requires steeringwheel retainingbolts. Which probably means either the anti-theft ones where the heads are designed to break off at a certain torque when they're being tightened or that they are coated with a locking solvent..

 

[5551]

Spoke to the chap diagnosing it and the reason the bolts are going is Audi policy. Everything touching the faulty component is replaced so it's as new. They didn't take it apart as the steering section where the issue is is, surprise surprise, a big sealed unit. The whole thing is being replaced tomorrow.

I'll update you when I can. New baby came last night so this is way down the priority list

 

[Spaceman_RS3]

Congrats on the new baby. Extreamly happy days.

 

[RAF_S7]

Quite, they did state found slip ring faulty and requires replacing will also requires steeringwheel retainingbolts. Which probably means either the anti-theft ones where the heads are designed to break off at a certain torque when they're being tightened or that they are coated with a locking solvent..

Coated with a locking compound. Its a single splined bolt in the centre boss.
Replacement is a bit of overkill, but understandable given the no-win-no-fee culture we have imported.

Hopefully the OP now has a solution, that wont take too long to implement.

 

[5551]

Audi just said the replacement part hasn't solved the issue. Great. Nice new car.