Strange steering issues/sounds

[BT719]

2013 S4, ~76K miles

Yesterday while driving home, my steering felt quite weird…almost like it was “grabbing” center if that makes sense. This morning, the car started normally, but the steering wheel was locked, almost like an ignition lock.

I restarted, then applied a bit more force and it “unlocked” but now has a loud, almost scraping noise when I turn the wheel. The car still drives fine and steers normally, but the noise is quite odd and I’ve never heard it before.

No codes. It has been raining very heavily the last few days. I changed the oil today and nothing looks out of place under the car. No obvious fluid leaks.

https://youtu.be/RxWbLLtGSpU

Any insight?

[gmurom]

You're probably up for a rack replacement. I'm still waiting for mine to be fixed. It's been over a month but no parts anywhere.

My rack does some clicking/cracking sounds. They are super noticeable at low speeds and from the inside heard as knocks.

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[Ashtonts]

No fluid leaks because you have an electronic rack

And unfortunately said rack just shit the bed. Super common on these cars. Good news is that you should be covered under Audis extended warranty, so you’ll get the cost reimbureed.

[gmurom]

No fluid leaks because you have an electronic rack

And unfortunately said rack just shit the bed. Super common on these cars. Good news is that you should be covered under Audis extended warranty, so you’ll get the cost reimbureed.

He might not be qualified for that Audi's replacement. There was another thread in here when someone from Audi chimed in and explained that it only covers a control module of a rack in case you got warning light on a dash.

But I'd definitely stop by at a local Audi and ask them to confirm.

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[BT719]

Well yay. I bought this car a couple months ago…and everything has been fine. I was due for something gremliny.

Now the million dollar question…what are the safety implications? Can I still drive the vehicle safely?

[evanb]

Well yay. I bought this car a couple months ago…and everything has been fine. I was due for something gremliny.

Now the million dollar question…what are the safety implications? Can I still drive the vehicle safely?

Are you crazy. Have the car checked out.

[gmurom]

Well yay. I bought this car a couple months ago…and everything has been fine. I was due for something gremliny.

Now the million dollar question…what are the safety implications? Can I still drive the vehicle safely?

Technically you can but consequences can be terrible. I'd only drive it within 5 miles from home, but slowly and for things like groceries.

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[BT719]

Thanks - perhaps I should have clarified. Can I safely drive this thing to the dealer?

[gmurom]

Thanks - perhaps I should have clarified. Can I safely drive this thing to the dealer?

In this case think of the worst. Would be able to handle it if you loose steering control? If it's a 100 miles trip I probably wouldn't do that but if no other choices then I'd drove it like 50 mph.

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[Ashtonts]

Thanks - perhaps I should have clarified. Can I safely drive this thing to the dealer?

If you don’t have the code that says not to drive, you’ll be fine. I drove mine like 20 miles even after getting that code and the car was fine. I wouldn’t sweat it too much