I had my winter wheels on 18” my car normally runs on 20” and they were fine for a good few weeks. I noticed especially on cold days a stiffness to the steering normally at the start of my drive which eased off later. This eventuality got worse to the point it was really stiff to turn.

I actually had my car at the garage to check the fault when I got my 20” back from refurbishing and got the garage to put them back on. Hey presto the stiffness has gone, well for a couple of days anyway. 

Its back but not as bad however it was icy this morning so stiffer again which eased off later.

Not sure if it actually an issue with the steering or maybe a sensor which is affecting. I have the lane assist which tightens the wheel so by virtue of the fault being intermittent could it be this.

A genuine fault with the power steering would surely cause the stiffness to be permanent.

Would I not get an error message through. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My garage didn’t ever find anything.

Thanks

Hello James,

Electrically assisted power steering rather than hydraulic? 
If so, the culprit is likely to be a failing battery, aggravated by cold weather. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

6 hours ago, Magnet said:

Hello James,

Electrically assisted power steering rather than hydraulic? 
If so, the culprit is likely to be a failing battery, aggravated by cold weather. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Gareth, 

             Thanks for this it makes a lot of sense. My car has been sluggish to start so this works well with your suggestion as it is electrically assisted powered steering. I have ordered a new battery £220 😳 and will update once fitted to see if that was the culprit 😀👍🏻.

James

Thanks James,

Where are you getting your battery from at that (high?) price? 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

3 minutes ago, Magnet said:

Thanks James,

Where are you getting your battery from at that (high?) price? 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

I am so glad you messaged, I was working this morning and I got a txt from my garage with that price for a Bosch battery. I have just a look on eBay and re ordered £140 for the same item. Happy days 😀

Apologies for more wallet respecting comments James.

EBay - OK/ great.

Specialist on-line suppliers inc. Battery Megastore, Tayna etc. and delivery is generally free if bought through EBay.

Bosch - fine, but there are different grades/ warranty periods. I tend to only buy batteries with a minimum of a 4 to 5 year warranty. Always worth the bit extra. 
Kind regards, 

Gareth. 

 

On 3/28/2023 at 7:24 AM, Magnet said:

Hello James,

Electrically assisted power steering rather than hydraulic? 
If so, the culprit is likely to be a failing battery, aggravated by cold weather. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

The battery was fitted today and on the drive home it all appeared good. Thank you for your assistance with the topic.

James 😎

Many thanks James,

Glad it appears to have been sorted. Did you get a good deal on the battery after?

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

On 3/28/2023 at 3:30 PM, Magnet said:

Thanks James,

Where are you getting your battery from at that (high?) price? 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

I was happy enough with the £140 for the Bosch. I would have paid double to get rid of the heavy steering. Next job is the engine management light which we have worked out to be a non Audi MAF. It’s on back order, after that it’s a heated steering wheel upgrade however plenty online with regards to that and parts already here. 
It is almost the perfect car ! 🙄