servotronic steering working on and off

[jcundy2]

For the past week or so my 2011 b8 a4 has on and off issues with the steering being stiff at speeds lower than 30-40 mph. It will choke up every few degrees throughout a turn and then have the same problem when returning to center and require a good amount of force to turn the wheel. I checked my fluid level in the power steering and it was at about 3/4. I recently replaced my license plate bulbs with the same ones I had in before. My buddy told me i could have blown a fuse or caused an an electrical problem with a relay in doing so. However when I run the car without these lights off it still seems to come and go. He mentioned he thinks it could also be something to do with the servotronic motor. I am also thinking it could be a battery issue, as my battery is nearing 5-6ish years old i believe (bought the car used in 2014 so I'm not completely sure if its original battery or not). However, these are all just sort of speculation. Has this happened to anyone else? does anyone know where I can fine the fuse that is associated with the servo so i can check it? Thanks!

[B44]

you may want to disconnect the negative terminal for 10 minutes and connect it back as to reset all the systems then see if the problem returns. also good idea would be if you have not done a power steering fluid drain and refill ever before it would be a good thing. good luck

[jcundy2]

thanks! will anything need to be reprogrammed or anything by the dealer if I disconnect battery then reconnect? (i've never messed with this just, only read stories about needing to reprogram after installing a new battery)
I had my long block replaced back in October and i'm assuming they flushed the system with new fluids as everything had to be disconnected and re connected. Now I'm thinking when they reassembled the new engine and reused all the old accessories, maybe a hose somewhere has a small leak that let air into the system?

[blbroo]

@b6hate4

Is this the same problem you are having?

[B44]

thanks! will anything need to be reprogrammed or anything by the dealer if I disconnect battery then reconnect? (i've never messed with this just, only read stories about needing to reprogram after installing a new battery)
I had my long block replaced back in October and i'm assuming they flushed the system with new fluids as everything had to be disconnected and re connected. Now I'm thinking when they reassembled the new engine and reused all the old accessories, maybe a hose somewhere has a small leak that let air into the system?

No it wont need any reprogram.

[jcundy2]

After doing some research and checking my fluids again. I'm thinking this could be an issue with my servotronic module. I'd like to pull it out and test to see if this is the problem, however i have no idea where it is. I've searched and can't seem to find where its located. Can anybody point me in the right direction?

[andyzaharia]

jcundy2 there is no such thing as "servotronic module", the servotronic valve N119 is controlled by the J519 module which is basically the comfort module for the entire car. This module controls a lot of things in your car.

My bet is either on wiring or on the N119 valve, which is on the steering rack.

Its part #3 in this image

[STA4]

Take a look at this thread: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...f-Can-t-Solved

I had intermittent stiff steering and it was the u-joint on the steering column. My mechanic sprayed penetrating oil around the rubber seals and now the problem is gone.

[andyzaharia]

It can definitely be the U-joint too. So +1 to STA4 advice.

[jcundy2]

Thanks so much guys! I'm getting the feeling that it is what STA4 pointed out with the u-joint sticking. I go to an unlimited carwash 2-4 times a week to keep the salt off of the car. The carwash also has a high pressure underwash. I'm thinking that the underwash is maybe spraying water in areas that it shouldn't be in. is the U-joint open to the elements or sealed?

[andyzaharia]

Look here, https://www.drive2.ru/l/3825806/ I know its russian but you will get the idea from the pictures :)

[b6Hate4]

I'm having this exact same problem. Having a shop deal with it on tuesday while my car is in for a timing chain service.

[Audi 4 Life]

I had a similar issue on my car the dealer replaced the power steering pump and a high pressure steering line. Mine was mostly at slow speeds like when trying to park. They said the power steering pump was over heating which explained why my problems occured once the car was warm. Not sure if the high pressure line had failed or not but I know it was part of a TSB there was a new updated part for it.

[jcundy2]

Thanks for the info and links everyone! I've been driving it more and it's been warmer the past couple of days and it has been driving fine now. So I am thinking that this is something temperature related as well. (it was happening the worst when the car was cold. After a warm up and a few minutes of driving it would still be there at low speeds but not as bad as when the car was cold) I'm going to follow STA4's advice and try to spray some penetrating oil on the u-joint and see if that helps. Ill keep the thread updated once i get it into the dealer for service and find out what is actually happening.

[b8tamaster]

Any updates on this brother? I'm having a very similar, if not the same problem...

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[b6Hate4]

Just had my issues fixed 100%, it felt like powersteering had stopped working altogether. Shop said that its a rusty u joint in the steering rack that is exposed. They cleaned it, generously lubed it up and are working on making me a custom boot to protect it. They said it is a very common issue.

My steering feels good as new.

[b8tamaster]

Cool. I'm going to look at mine. Right now it feels very "notchy" when turning, especially at low speeds. Turning into Parking spots, my driveway, in and out of my road is a real pain.

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[jcundy2]

Good to hear your all fixed up b6hate4! mine was absolutely terrible today on the way to and work. I thought for sure I was going to get into a wreck. Stopped at the auto store and bought some penetrating oil. going to try and shoot some up in there tonight. Anyone know - do i need to have it greased after it is shot with the penetrating oil?

[jcundy2]

Just had my issues fixed 100%, it felt like powersteering had stopped working altogether. Shop said that its a rusty u joint in the steering rack that is exposed. They cleaned it, generously lubed it up and are working on making me a custom boot to protect it. They said it is a very common issue.
My steering feels good as new.

Do you know if they took it out to clean it or just left it attached? thanks!

[jcundy2]

Never got around to spraying the penetrating oil last night because it got dark. However, this morning i drove the car and it seemed to have been much better after doing nothing to it. My car did throw a bulb out error this morning and on the way home from work(checked and no bulbs were out). stopped at auto zone to have them scan it but when i restarted car code was gone. beginning to think this is something electrical again.

[b8tamaster]

Updates @jcundy2 ?

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[jcundy2]

Updates @jcundy2 ?

I took it to my mechanic and he put it up on the lift and sure enough it was that damn rusty U joint at the bottom of the intermediate steering shaft. He recommended that I replace it down the road at some point but he just greased it up and I was back in action with no issues. Every time I take the car to him we've just added that as a regular item to have greased. haven't had any issues since. here is the part - https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ft/8k1419753h/