Clunking noise when turning
 

Hi Guys,

I've looked at the other posts on knocking/clunking/banging noises and none of them seem to be the noise I'm hearing.

When I turn the steering wheel from lock to lock I can hear a clunking noise (doesn't happen all the time).

I'm thinking it may be steering rack, power steering pump or suspension? I can't get it looked at until a week Friday either :(.

And of course, as usual, something fecking breaks JUST before the Owners Club meet.
Some of you will remember the screaming fan from Hell at last years meet :D.

Any help appreciated.

Steve

Before my steering rack gave me problems (leaking fluid everywhere) I remember mine doing that also!:(

Ended up getting a replacement (read 2nd hand) from A8Parts and getting it fitted by an Audi independant last month.

Hope yours isn't that;)

Andy,

What happened to yours. Did the steering start to feel heavy and fail?

The steering rack was leaking but I've used a sort of 'rack rad weld' which seems to have stopped the leak.

The steering does feel heavier than I remember it but I don't drive the car very often and maybe I've got used to the lighter steering on the Insignia.

Steve

Started to get a slight whining noise from the engine bay after a while - the steering also felt a little heavier than normal - eventually the PS fluid ended up on the floor.

Spoke to Ben from AVP about it and he suggested to fill the reservoir up and see how it goes as it is a more common fault on A6 and A4's. So I did and it felt great again.

Next morning, took the car out of the garage and fluid on the floor (also the steering was heavy and the noise was louder).
Put the car back in the garage and spoke to Ben who was going to like for a seal kit (part number exists, but the parts don't).

So, had to get a new rack (cost for rack with A8OC discount covered the cost of the courier) and also needed new track rods so didn't get much change from £450.....:(

Perfect now thought so will let the car off+++

Keep an eye on the fluid and listen for the noise....

Check the strainer in the PS reservoir as well, mine was filthy in the D2 when I got some scary steering noises, a good clean sorted them out.

It's definitely not a whining noise it's a clunking noise and it only seems to happen when the car is stopped and you turn the steering wheel lock to lock (when you turn around in a cul-de-sac as an example).

The PS fluid level is fine. I don't know if the gunk I put in has damaged the rack seals.

I've checked the reservoir filter as well which is clear.

As I've said the steering feels a bit heavier and still works fine. It just clunks a lot lock to lock.

I'll find out in a week when the car goes in for some work. I'll keep you posted.

Steve

It's official the steering rack end is knackered.

A couple of questions:

Is the steering rack a single unit or can the rack ends be changed?

Is there a write up on how to change the steering rack?

Thanks

Steve

Do you mean the drumsticks Steve? There is a intermediate bit between the track rod ends and the rack that joins inside the rubber gaiter. Bit fiddly to change but a DIY job.

The bit in here?
http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articl...er/srack16.jpg

This article on Audi pages may help

That's the fella!

Yet again thanks for the help Mike.

Sounds similar to mine - I am sure you can't get the parts.....