Steering Issues - 2013

**Bclippard** · 11-20-2012 10:07 AM

I wanted to see if anyone was having issues of what I can best describe as the steering wheel feels like it lets go for a few seconds when driving on the highway? The car then feels like it is drifting in the lane. I do notice while traveling at lower speed but it is not so pronounced.

I tried doing searches and could find anything on this potential issue.

Thanks,
Brian

**htoudiee** · 11-20-2012 10:08 AM

Not here. But interesting.

**PaperishPlastic** · 11-20-2012 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Bclippard

I wanted to see if anyone was having issues of what I can best describe as the steering wheel feels like it lets go for a few seconds when driving on the highway? The car then feels like it is drifting in the lane. I do notice while traveling at lower speed but it is not so pronounced.

I tried doing searches and could find anything on this potential issue.

Thanks,
Brian

yes this is a common issue with the B8.5 S4's and S5's. The Eurocode Alu Kreuz will fix this issue.

**BzzzBom** · 11-20-2012 10:32 AM

I had this issue before installing the Alu Kreuz. Not only did the AK fix this issue but dramatically improved the steering feel especially on the freeway. IMO, the car should have come like this from the factory -- The AK is a must have mod.

**WirelessEngy** · 11-20-2012 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by BzzzBom

I had this issue before installing the Alu Kreuz. Not only did the AK fix this issue but dramatically improved the steering feel especially on the freeway. IMO, the car should have come like this from the factory -- The AK is a must have mod.

Just curious..
Do you have just the AK installed, and not the sway bars?

**thedollardoctor** · 11-20-2012 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Bclippard

I wanted to see if anyone was having issues of what I can best describe as the steering wheel feels like it lets go for a few seconds when driving on the highway? The car then feels like it is drifting in the lane. I do notice while traveling at lower speed but it is not so pronounced.

I tried doing searches and could find anything on this potential issue.

Thanks,
Brian

Yep, I have this EXACT same issue! Feels EXACTLY as you described. Like it is fine and then "slips" a bit. Haven't ever noticed it around town, but on longer highway drives at speed, it's obnoxious. Once you notice it, it's completely unnerving! Called my dealership twice about it and did not receive a single call back. Already in the Alu Kreuz group buy as many have stated this fixes the issue (and besides I had planned to stiffen the entire ride a bit with this and sways and end links anyway).

Let me know if you have any luck with the dealership on this issue. Apparently there was a steering recall recently as well, may be for this issue? The thread is around here somewhere.......

**BzzzBom** · 11-20-2012 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by WirelessEngy

Just curious..
Do you have just the AK installed, and not the sway bars?

I have the USS sways which were installed several months ago. I still had the problem until the AK was installed.

**peppeS4** · 11-20-2012 11:36 AM

There is a TSB for 2013 S4's that I just had done at my 5K service. Something with the steering wheel module I believe. Not sure if this recall has anything to do with the problem you are describing.

**Bclippard** · 11-20-2012 12:10 PM

I have an appointment with the dealership next week. I will let you guys know what I find out or if the TSB fixes the issue.
If they don't fix it then I may go the AK route if it actually fixes that issue.

Thanks for the information.

**Wilbur** · 11-20-2012 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by thedollardoctor

Yep, I have this EXACT same issue! Feels EXACTLY as you described. Like it is fine and then "slips" a bit. Haven't ever noticed it around town, but on longer highway drives at speed, it's obnoxious. Once you notice it, it's completely unnerving! Called my dealership twice about it and did not receive a single call back. Already in the Alu Kreuz group buy as many have stated this fixes the issue (and besides I had planned to stiffen the entire ride a bit with this and sways and end links anyway).

Let me know if you have any luck with the dealership on this issue. Apparently there was a steering recall recently as well, may be for this issue? The thread is around here somewhere.......

Just looked at that AK thing. How the heck would that solve the problem?

**Patrick Bateman** · 11-20-2012 02:23 PM

I have this said issue.... I think dollar doc has it right with the word "slip", and i feel the issue is in the elec steering. I do have uss sways/end links, and also the AK already fitted.
My example/description is this.... When driving say on a slight curve,and wheel is held in the same spot, it feels as if the steering forgets to hold its position very slightly,and the wheel
feels in my hand as if the steering is lost for a split second. Im in for my 5k next week, and the tsb software flash will be performed. I will report back.

It almost feels like one of our 3/4 ton work trucks (GM), with a bad half shaft U joint, but the cars new...no wear... gotta be in the electronics. Angle sensor? i dunno.

PB.

**Seinsmeld13** · 11-21-2012 01:36 AM

My S is three weeks new. I don't have this issue and love the electric steering. I'm coming from a 2010 S4 which had steering shudder that was a constant complaint with the Audi service department. Never corrected. .

**Canvasoso** · 11-21-2012 04:11 AM

My 2013 had the TSB done at delivery. I have never experienced this issue. I dont see how the AK can help with this either. The AK 'may' help on very high stressed extreme cornering with chasis flex under high loads that go well beyond the stock brace treshold.

**thedollardoctor** · 11-21-2012 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by Wilbur

Just looked at that AK thing. How the heck would that solve the problem?

Yeah, I have to say in all honesty, I don't really see HOW the AK can fix something that feels like a strictly electronic steering issue. I ordered the AK through group buy because I am looking for ANY way to reduce body roll and stiffen the chassis (sways and end links also on the way), not solely in hopes of fixing the steering issues.

I'll be interested in hearing back from the OP and others if the TSB fixes this issue. As I said, I placed two separate calls to my dealership service manager with no response. May have to give it another shot.

**Info@EuroCode** · 11-21-2012 05:51 AM

Our Alu Kreuz is a godsend in my opinion. When I installed it on our 2013 S5, I did not tell my wife...her first reaction was "how did you fix the steering? The car is not floaty anymore".

The floatiness she describes is how the car would all of a sudden feel like it swerved in the lane for no apparent reason. It was most noticeable when there was a chassis load change "like deceleration or acceleration".

**thedollardoctor** · 11-21-2012 05:58 AM

Interested to see if that is the case. Though we may be describing different issues. Seeing as how the OP and myself and others on this thread are driving B8.5 S4s and you are referencing an S5 issue. We will see I guess.

Like I said, I PUMPED to get the AK!!! Just not convinced at this point it is the solution to this seemingly electric steering "slippage". I can see how it could help a "drifting road feel" by stiffening the chassis up, but this issue is more of a "slip" where the steering feels strong and secure at highway speeds, then out of no where, it just "slips" a slight bit then catches again, almost like the difference in feeling of the steering wheel at slow speeds (where its loose and easy to turn) vs. high speeds (where it tightens up more). It's really freaky and strange and unnerving.

**MrFunk** · 11-21-2012 07:29 AM

I am a fan of the Alu K. But I don't think this is the solution to what sounds like a mechanical issue. There is a TSB for this issue -
I'd recommend all of you with B8.5's to get it adressed with the dealership. This is not an issue of improving steering response and floaty feel - this seems to be an issue with the mechanics of the steeing. I'm sure the TSB is not to improve the sub-frame mount...

I'm willing to bet there are people with the B8.5 and Alu K installed still having this issue. The Alu is not the solution...

Edit: Bateman has this issue even though he's got full Eurocode set up with Alu and sways and links...

**Wilbur** · 11-21-2012 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by Info@EuroCode

Our Alu Kreuz is a godsend in my opinion. When I installed it on our 2013 S5, I did not tell my wife...her first reaction was "how did you fix the steering? The car is not floaty anymore".

The floatiness she describes is how the car would all of a sudden feel like it swerved in the lane for no apparent reason. It was most noticeable when there was a chassis load change "like deceleration or acceleration".

Originally Posted by thedollardoctor

Interested to see if that is the case. Though we may be describing different issues. Seeing as how the OP and myself and others on this thread are driving B8.5 S4s and you are referencing an S5 issue. We will see I guess.

Like I said, I PUMPED to get the AK!!! Just not convinced at this point it is the solution to this seemingly electric steering "slippage". I can see how it could help a "drifting road feel" by stiffening the chassis up, but this issue is more of a "slip" where the steering feels strong and secure at highway speeds, then out of no where, it just "slips" a slight bit then catches again, almost like the difference in feeling of the steering wheel at slow speeds (where its loose and easy to turn) vs. high speeds (where it tightens up more). It's really freaky and strange and unnerving.

Is the chassis really that soft/flexible?

**clericdc** · 11-21-2012 09:10 AM

i too have this issue. also agree that AK will probably stiffen up the overall 'floaty' feel but not what OP is talking about.
I thought it was some weird alignment issue at first where maybe toe was set awkwardly to where it would feel like its going straight and then all of the sudden switch directions ever so slightly. more noticeable if you keep a less intense grip on the wheel.

if someone can post about their before/after experience after the steering module TSB would help us all out! I asked my dealer about this tsb and they said it would not affect this but then again my dealer nearby sucks.

**MrFunk** · 11-21-2012 09:13 AM

^^ PB is going in for his 5k and having the TSB performed. I'm sure he'd be happy to report back :) Right PB?!?!? I'll volunteer you!

**Bomiz** · 11-21-2012 09:15 AM

Going in today for the steering update. I'll let you know if I feel a difference

**agershon** · 11-21-2012 09:30 AM

I only get this steering weirdness on the freeway going straight. Someone in a previous thread described it as "tram lining". To me it feels like the wheels are in a rut, and then they pop out into another rut. Does that make any sense?

**thedollardoctor** · 11-21-2012 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by agershon

I only get this steering weirdness on the freeway going straight. Someone in a previous thread described it as "tram lining". To me it feels like the wheels are in a rut, and then they pop out into another rut. Does that make any sense?

Yep! EXACTLY the same time (highway going straight) and way it feels (tire rut in highway). EXACTLY

**thedollardoctor** · 11-21-2012 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Wilbur

Is the chassis really that soft/flexible?

To me it is. For a $60k performance car, it has a lot of body roll and feels a bit squishy to me overall..... and that is in comparison to my 2011 G37 hard top (which shouldn't be nearly as stiff without the structural rigidity of a complete frame).

Once I installed sways on my G, it was like a different car altogether. SO MUCH more enjoyable to drive and more confident in turns with much less body roll. Hoping for same effect on the S or better

**dygital** · 11-21-2012 11:07 AM

I have that feeling as well, even during city driving. I just got off the phone with Audi and there's a steering update as well as a low beam update. Going to send my car in next week and hope it fixes things.

**jdwk** · 11-21-2012 11:17 AM

I put 1000 miles on my car through Europe and other than the steering just feeling uncommunicative, it felt fine. It never drifted or swerved on me. I picked my car up on Sept 27th, so maybe this problem had already been addressed.

**Canvasoso** · 11-21-2012 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Wilbur

Is the chassis really that soft/flexible?

Exactly!. It is not. As I said before, the AK can only be beneficial at very high loads that 95% of the people here would never get to, unless they track their car at its limits.

**A4 Joe** · 11-21-2012 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by agershon

I only get this steering weirdness on the freeway going straight. Someone in a previous thread described it as "tram lining". To me it feels like the wheels are in a rut, and then they pop out into another rut. Does that make any sense?

I have this exact sensation on my 2012 S4.

**kooltechie** · 11-21-2012 03:13 PM

It seems like many folks with B8.5 S4/S5 (including myself) have this weird steering behavior.
I started a thread in regards to the issue a while back (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Review-2013-S5) and it seems we need to escalate this to Audi and have them involved?

If there's anyone here who's familiar with organizing a formal request/class act to a manufacturer, would you please help?

Whether Audi knew about this as they switched to the new electromechanical steering or not, it's very disappointing.
Had I known about this issue prior to my purchase, my decision would've been different.

**Doc Brown** · 11-21-2012 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Bclippard

I wanted to see if anyone was having issues of what I can best describe as the steering wheel feels like it lets go for a few seconds when driving on the highway? The car then feels like it is drifting in the lane. I do notice while traveling at lower speed but it is not so pronounced.

I tried doing searches and could find anything on this potential issue.

Thanks,
Brian

Mine is three weeks old and at nearly 1000 miles and I have not experienced anything like this. Fair amount of highway driving, too.

**Patrick Bateman** · 11-21-2012 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Canvasoso

Exactly!. It is not. As I said before, the AK can only be beneficial at very high loads that 95% of the people here would never get to, unless they track their car at its limits.

Can... Im not understanding your statement above. The AK make driving this car better in every instance...wheather its low mph, to high speed cornering. The car simply tracks better all over the board in every type of driving scenario.

Dollar Dr: Dude, you've hit this thread on the head time and time again!

PB.
Mr.F : Sure, im in. i report to you first ,of coarse!

Happy Thanksgiving to all and your families !

**thedollardoctor** · 11-23-2012 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Bomiz

Going in today for the steering update. I'll let you know if I feel a difference

Hey Bomiz, any updates on this issue? Did you get your car in for the service?

Oh, and my apologies to Patrick for hitting this thread on the head AGAIN! I guess I'm just tired of my $60k car having a really annoying steering issue and am concerned about finding a way to fix it. I'll try to be less enthusiastic about it in the future, my bad

**Wilbur** · 11-23-2012 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Canvasoso

Exactly!. It is not. As I said before, the AK can only be beneficial at very high loads that 95% of the people here would never get to, unless they track their car at its limits.

Thats what I'm thinking. If this thing was that flexible door/frnder gaps would be opening and closing. If you parke with one wheel on a curb you wouldnt be able to open a door. I don't think so. Sway/roll bars are entirely different and have nothing to do with a flexing chassis.

**Wilbur** · 11-23-2012 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by thedollardoctor

To me it is. For a $60k performance car, it has a lot of body roll and feels a bit squishy to me overall..... and that is in comparison to my 2011 G37 hard top (which shouldn't be nearly as stiff without the structural rigidity of a complete frame).

Once I installed sways on my G, it was like a different car altogether. SO MUCH more enjoyable to drive and more confident in turns with much less body roll. Hoping for same effect on the S or better

Its a grand touring car not a full on sports car....thats what they do

**thedollardoctor** · 11-23-2012 11:14 AM

Either way, not to be all technical, I would prefer if the "feel" of the car in the turns was more confident. As it is in stock form, I don't feel it gives the driver great confidence in and out of turns, just my opinion. In my experience, upgrading sways has greatly improved this, at least in other cars I've owned.

**BzzzBom** · 11-23-2012 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by thedollardoctor

Either way, not to be all technical, I would prefer if the "feel" of the car in the turns was more confident. As it is in stock form, I don't feel it gives the driver great confidence in and out of turns, just my opinion. In my experience, upgrading sways has greatly improved this, at least in other cars I've owned.

The USS sways / end links / Alu Kreuz dramatically changed all this - I actually hated the cornering feel before installing. I now love the feel. Although not cheap, it was the greatest bang for buck you can do for this car. This should be everyone's first mods!
just my $0.02

**dparm** · 11-23-2012 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by PaperishPlastic

yes this is a common issue with the B8.5 S4's and S5's. The Eurocode Alu Kreuz will fix this issue.

I don't understand how that answers his question.

**thedollardoctor** · 11-23-2012 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by BzzzBom

The USS sways / end links / Alu Kreuz dramatically changed all this - I actually hated the cornering feel before installing. I now love the feel. Although not cheap, it was the greatest bang for buck you can do for this car. This should be everyone's first mods!
just my $0.02

Appreciate the input! That is my hope as well. For my G that was how I felt, best bang for the buck for mod by far was the sways. Can't wait!

**bbhbba** · 11-23-2012 04:17 PM

I had the steering module software update done to my '13 S4 2 weeks ago. I've never felt the issue described before nor after the steering module service.