Steering column clunk and wandering
 

car was in having the bumper fixed from when my wife had an argument with a supermarket car park - the Audi lost

The mechanic mentioned that when he was manoeuvring the car he could hear a clunk from the column and then on test drive it was wandering and needs constant correction

His suggestion was that maybe a UJ was worn in the column?

Does the A8 have UJ's in the steering column?

if not does this mean a new column needs to be fitted? How big a job is this?

also if I go through a puddle with the nearside front wheel I lose PAS and the steering gets really heavy - no pas

PAS pump is belt driven, water could be getting on the belt causing it to slip. If I recall on LHD cars the pump is down on your nearside.

It is a RHD car - and I asked the garage to look at that and they said the belt was OK

My S8 has the same symptoms, play in steering and clunk when going over bumps. And its just had a new front suspension and all the suspension arms checked professionally so its not those.
I was searching on quattroworld for answers and they suggest adjusting this, as per ElsaWin original procedure.
Worth a try as its a free fix.

Elsawin:

Adjusting power-assisted steering box
Adjusting power-assisted steering box
Two mechanics are required to perform adjustment. Adjust with engine switched off.

‒ Lift vehicle on lifting platform.
‒ Wheels in straight-ahead position.
‒ By turning the steering wheel back and forth (about 30°around centre axle) a rattling noise will be heard if there is excessive steering play.



‒ → The second mechanic should carefully turn the adjustment screw (arrow) until the rattling noise can no longer be heard inside the vehicle.
‒ Carry out a test drive.
‒ Ensure that when manoeuvring or negotiating corners the steering automatically returns smoothly to the straight-ahead position. Adjust setting if necessary.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1388923838

thanks I will get them to try that - I have checked nearly everything else

My S suffer from play when engine is on and nothing while off.

I'm just about to ordet a new steering rack from Germany.
Maybe i should try this trick frist.

:)

Steering rack replacement is a serious pain in the ass, fingers crossed for you it's not the rack

I know had it done a few years ago - terrible job :-)

The second mechanic should carefully turn the adjustment screw (arrow) until the rattling noise can no longer be heard inside the vehicle.

My garage said there was no screw inside the bolt? when it says screw does it mean turn bolt? and it is a typo or have I and adjustment screw missing?