Hello all,

I am wondering if anyone has any ideas what could be causing my intermittent notchy steering issue on my 2016 A6 C7.

 

Recently my steering has varied in resistance when turning at low speeds such as coming out at a junction or doing a three-point turn. When I turn the wheel left or right the steering becoming very stiff and then returns to normal as I turn some more in the same direction. When the wheel is at a degree where it is very stiff and heavy the steering does not naturally return to centre when letting go of the wheel and I have to physically pull it back to centre. This issue comes and goes. I am just back from a 1000 mile road trip around Scotland and this issue only happen on a few occasions. When i arrived home everything was fine until yesterday where it was dreadfully stiff. I went to take it to the garage today and sure enough it worked perfectly fine (typical!).

 

My mechanic has looked at it several times (annoyingly each time he has the car the steering is back to being perfect) and cannot see any reason why there is an issue. I asked if it could be a rusty universal joint behind the driver’s side foot well but he said if it was that then the stiffness would remain and not be intermittent. He has ran diagnostics several times and cannot find anything to suggest there is an electrical problem with the steering. Any time I have this problem there is never a dashboard warning message. When this issue arises there are never any unsavoury noises like grinding or clunking.

 

 

Can anyone think what the issue might be that can cause intermittent steering stiffness?

 

Many, many thanks in advance 

Has it got electronic power steering? 

If so, how olds the battery? If it's over 5-7 years old then it could be failing which is causing the steering not to work properly as it's drawing a lot of power. 

Hi Steve,

 

Thanks for responding. Yeah it's electric steering. The battery is at least 4.5 years old and could well be older than that. bBoth myself and my mechanic tested the battery and although it didn't give sterling results (I cant remember voltage reading off the top of my head) it was in a reasonable condition. I'd have though a dashboard warning light would show at the very least if it was battery related. Regardless of whether it is the battery or not I feel it will shortly be time to replace it anyway so maybe when I do change it out the problem will go away. Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Hello Niall, 

I very much agree with Steve, and I think it would be a good move to have the battery tested ( Halfords shops do it) before embarking on any other testing. Batteries get a hammering, and 4.5 years plus could be considered to be good service life these days. Worth getting the alternator output checked at the same time. 
It would be worth you coming back to the forum before committing to buy a replacement - if needed. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

On 4/2/2024 at 1:56 PM, FullnA6C7 said:

Hello all,

I am wondering if anyone has any ideas what could be causing my intermittent notchy steering issue on my 2016 A6 C7.

 

Recently my steering has varied in resistance when turning at low speeds such as coming out at a junction or doing a three-point turn. When I turn the wheel left or right the steering becoming very stiff and then returns to normal as I turn some more in the same direction. When the wheel is at a degree where it is very stiff and heavy the steering does not naturally return to centre when letting go of the wheel and I have to physically pull it back to centre. This issue comes and goes. I am just back from a 1000 mile road trip around Scotland and this issue only happen on a few occasions. When i arrived home everything was fine until yesterday where it was dreadfully stiff. I went to take it to the garage today and sure enough it worked perfectly fine (typical!).

 

My mechanic has looked at it several times (annoyingly each time he has the car the steering is back to being perfect) and cannot see any reason why there is an issue. I asked if it could be a rusty universal joint behind the driver’s side foot well but he said if it was that then the stiffness would remain and not be intermittent. He has ran diagnostics several times and cannot find anything to suggest there is an electrical problem with the steering. Any time I have this problem there is never a dashboard warning message. When this issue arises there are never any unsavoury noises like grinding or clunking.

 

 

Can anyone think what the issue might be that can cause intermittent steering stiffness?

 

Many, many thanks in advance 

Hi I agree with Gareth/Steve the electric steering rack draws about 60amps when operating if its not getting any continuity that will give the symptoms you have.

Steve.

 

Hello,

 

So sorry for the late reply with this one. The issued turned out to be the universal joint between the intermediate shaft and the steering rack as first suspected. It was pretty badly corroded. My mechanic has greased it up and it works perfectly now. I think he used penetrative oil the first time which wasn't enough to solve the problem. The grease however has worked a treat. I'm under no illusions it will need replaced at some point as the grease is only a temporary fix. There are a few videos on YouTube of people saying they grease it every six months or so. 

Thank you all for your suggests. 

First post here so Hi!

I have the same issue with my 2016 Avant. After researching the 'web' I'd come to the same conclusion as the OP and above - universal joint. I did have my car booked into my local VAG mechanics to check the issue, but I've had to cancel due to work. 

I am going to get this checked by the mechanic ASAP, but I have to take the car on holiday tomorrow for a weeks tootle around Wales and I guess I'm just hoping that the wheels don't fall off during the trip. I know that nobody can confirm this, but are there any other more serious scenarios which could cause the same symptoms?

 

Thanks in advance. 

Welcome Nick,

What you can do:- 

Take the car on a 20 mile run and drive it straight to Halfords (shop) and get the battery efficiency checked. 
I would get the alternator output checked at the same time.

You could get yourself a can of WD40 ( put your fingers in your ears Cliff! ) and get an assistant to do turn the steering wheel from left to right with the engine running. Put you head under the bonnet - take great care with moving parts, and look for the steering shaft turning. Give the joint a good WD 40ing  where it goes into the steering rack. 
Please let us know how you get off on both fronts. 
Regards,

Gareth. 

Rhubarb. Rhubarb. Rhubarb. Can't hear a word you are saying Gareth.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try both, but it'll likely have to be after I've got to the holiday location, or possibly when we get back. The scenarios you've suggested don't sound terminal in the short term though. 

How old is the battery then Nick?

3 minutes ago, Magnet said:

How old is the battery then 

A very good question which I sadly can't answer as I bought the car in Feb of this year. 

The make of the battery may give a clue as to whether it is a replacement or not.