PAS problem

[plankton]

The PAS on my A8 has never felt right. Has always felt too heavy. Recently I've had more symptoms - on turning the steering wheel, you get odd spots where it feels like the PAS has stopped working, then it comes back in again.

Is this likely to be the Power Steering Pump, or something else?

How much would I be looking at to get this sorted at an indie?

Thanks.

[sloss]

Tell us the exact vehicle.

Have you checked the fluid level? Always the first thing to do

[plankton]

Originally Posted by sloss

Tell us the exact vehicle.

Have you checked the fluid level? Always the first thing to do

It's a 1999 4.2V8 (not sport)

I've not checked the fluid level I'll check that when I get home. Previous owner had mentioned problems with the steering feeling heavier after the car had some work for the MOT ("Control Arm and Stabiliser Link"). There was a post about it on these forums, but I can't find it. (User seems to have gone / posts missing)..

[sloss]

Fluid check first.

On a gravel/sand ie soft surface get someone to turn the wheel while you listen outside for any creaks or groans. Do not do this while stationary on a hard surface as that ruins steering joints.

It should be smooth all the way with very little or no noise.

Check if the wheel is jerky in places and note all these items and post back.

[plankton]

Originally Posted by sloss

Fluid check first.

On a gravel/sand ie soft surface get someone to turn the wheel while you listen outside for any creaks or groans. Do not do this while stationary on a hard surface as that ruins steering joints.

It should be smooth all the way with very little or no noise.

Check if the wheel is jerky in places and note all these items and post back.

Thanks for that I'll give this a go when I'm next home and report back. (Car's in the garage at home). I'm not going to be home until Saturday afternoon, so I'll report back sometime over the weekend.

[PsYcHe]

Sounds like it could be the servotronic too.. Mine has started doing something similar now and again when parking.

[plankton]

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

Sounds like it could be the servotronic too.. Mine has started doing something similar now and again when parking.

I've googled to find out what that does - is that expensive to replace (inc fitting) if it is that? Is it a steering rack out job?

[PsYcHe]

Not sure... Audi would definietly want to do a rack which is gonna cost a fortune...

Gonna look at some diagnostic options..

[plankton]

Oh my

It's by no means undriveable - it's just intermittant. I was going to splash out on a gearbox oil change, but looks like I may not be getting this done now.

I need to get it into my indie to see what he thinks. He's never seen this car - he's a VAG specialist and I've been there loads with my old Skoda Superb.

Whilst I think about it, is this issue likely to cause any problems if left unsorted? i.e. would the steering fail completely eventually, or would it just gradually get worse until I had no power steering assistance at all? This isn't my main car, so it's only doing about 5000 miles per year.

[PsYcHe]

Not sure.. mine seems to be random, which is leading me to think it's the solenoid for Servotronic that's sticking as it doesn't seem to be related to engine revs, but you get a little bit of road speed and away you go.