2011 Audi 3.2 FSI Quattro S Line

[Jay86]

Hi, All 

Of late or rather in the last (2) days I have noticed the steering on my 2011 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro S Line to have become quite stiff. At high speeds I find it dangerous, as some effort needs to be put in on Lane Change. 

The car had been driving absolutely fine, after a Full Service. I have even noticed at slower speeds a heavy steering an again some effort an thought has to be put in when cornerImg or taking roundabouts. 

Prior to the issue, or me noticing. The steering was exceptional feather light on slow speeds an stiffened a little at higher . I noticed as that gave it the distinct Audi Driving Experience now feels like a older Model vehicle. 

The Car is a 2011 Step-Tronic, if anyone has any advise, suggestions or even the solution please share. Your comments are appreciated, 

Jay86 

[Audi Owners Club.]

Hi....welcome to the Forum

My first thoughts are if something has changed dramatically over time then it is quite possibly the tyres.

Check the pressures and also check to see if the geometry has changed (damage to the wheel(s)

Let us know what you find

Cheers  Trevor

[Jay86]

Hi.... 

Thank-You, 

I booked the vehicle at my Local Audi Garage today for Diagnostics an Health Check. It seems the Power Steering Belt is worn an could do with a replacement. 

Otherwise as vehicle is sitting on 19" Audi R8 Alloys , he stated re-balancing alaignment an Oh, Yes (X4) tyres at £90.00 a Pop. 

He has supposedly seen a small leak in Water Pump but this was not shown on the Audi Cam Video, which I found Odd, should I query why ? 

Other than the above technician recommended a Gear Box or Transmission Oil Change as the vehicle is S-Tronic am considering only issue he has quoted me £505.50 just for Transmisison Oil Change. 

Laslty , friendly service at Entrance accommodating an polite - technician whom worked on car an video seemed polite gentleman. 

Oh an Trevor wheels are not in the best of condition as have only had the vehicle a fortnight am looking to reburb them just anxious about cost. 

Thanks, 

Jay 

 

 

 

 

[Audi Owners Club.]

Ouch!   how much for the transmission fluid change?

A slipping belt would definitely cause heavy steering but I think you would have heard it or smelt it when it was slipping.

The water pump leak...not sure about that but a coolant pressure test would be the best test to establish this.

Wheels, tyres and alignment would all be contributory to the heavy steering.

I would probably seek an independent VW Audi specialist repairer to look at rectifying the jobs that need doing....a lot cheaper as well.

Keep us updated on the progress

[Jay86]

 

Hi 

I know I couldn't believe it myself 

At least the Bill as inspired me to learn what's involved and why such a Expensive Job. However what I did find strange was my Manager at Work drives a Audi A6 3.0 TDI S Line an services at Boston, Audi apparently the Hourly Labour Rate is cheaper at the Boston Branch 

I'm not sure if anyone's experienced that before ? 

Ok, good news. I took the vehicle to the local garage I use an it was confirmed minor hairline fracture on the Water Pump have had it replaced. As Audi have recommended replacing the Auxillary Belt , it may go back in a week. 

As for steering absolutely perfect. The Audi Cam video did say leaking Water Pump could lead to intermittent loss or the Heavy feeling when driving , touch wood all good now

I'm looking to do the alignment an balancing. The tyres do need changing am not sure which brand to go for the vehicle is currently sitting on 19" 235/35/ZR/19