Slight steering knock or noise . . .

A6 All/ S6 All
#1

Hi all,

So the s6 has a slight steering knocking noise when the car is stationary.
It pretty much is when you have the wheels straight and you rotate left and right about 30degrees. The noise can be felt through the steering wheel, as a single knock each time.

I took it to my usual solid wheel and suspension shop, they cant see anything under the car. Steering linkages and all suspension bushes with no issues found.

So it’s down to a rack issue or maybe how the rack connects to the linkages etc.

Anyone had this issue in the past? As in steering rack issues?

There is no noise once the car is under way

#2

As I recall, BlackS6 did at one point. Check with him.

#3

Have someone tighten the bolts that connect the steering rack to the chassis. They get loose over time. I had to have mine done a couple times. Ended up having loctite added last time.

#4

Sounds like the ps pump to me.
Ask me how I know.
Actually it’s not the pump but the geared shaft that connects the pump to the flywheel.
The pump is driven by this shaft, not a belt.
There is a short 3-6” shaft that connects the two and the gears wear out … or were not properly lubed at the factory.
Pump is prolly ok just this shaft needs replacement.
Can be done by dropping the subframe to gain access.
I think Audi proper sez to remove engine lol.

#5

I had the same problem. It was really hard to show because it wasn’t 100% of the time. But once I forced my mechanic to check, he found it to be the case. It’s been rock solid ever since.