About a week ago I noticed that when (usually in parking lots) I cut my wheel all the way to either direction to back out of a spot, and turn back after pulling out, I get odd noises from the steering unit (under the hood). It's a sort of springy/grinding noise, and it's REALLY annoying.

I haven't noticed ANY performance issues, no check engine lights, nothing. Just the noise.

I have a 98' A4 2.8L, has anyone experienced this before?

 

check for leaks. hopefully it's just the hose coming from the PS reservoir.

 

Check P/S fluid level. Add VW/Audi fluid if needed.

 

Steering power always grinds at extremes. It puts a lot of stress on the system. If it is doing it at any other time, then check the power steering fluid level. If it needs topping up use Audi/VW only or Pentosin 11S. Do not use "power steering fluid" from Pep boys etc.
If it is low, find the leak.

 

Sounds almost like worn control arm noises to me, barring any leaks from the PS.

 

i have a '99 FWD Automatic A4 and i'm having the same problem, and i checked my ps fluid level and it is low. I noticed that the hose on the bottom of the reservoir was all dirty, so i'm assuming that the leak is there, obviusly i'll fix it before i fill it up again. I called a few stores today, but none of them have pentosin, and after a lot of reading here, i do know that i can ONLY use pentosin 11s, so... since none of the local stores have it in stock, i have to wait a few days, but.. there is the dealer option that is only about 8 dlls more, so i guess that i'll go with the dealer option. or, what do you guys think? pentosin in 3 days or vw dealer fluid tomorrow morning?

 

VW charges $10 for the small container.

 

thanks, but it seems like is not the container, i guess is the hose or the clamp that holds it to the container. Tonight iĀ“ll clean everything to try to find the leak. But again, QUESTION:

what is better, Pentosin 11s or Vw/Audi dealel ps fluid

 

Its both the same really - mineral based hydraulic fluid (as opposed to petroleum based).
I think Crazyhawk was saying the VW dealer charges $10 for the small tin of Pentosin, not the actual reservoir.

For now throw a zip tie on the hose where it meets the reservoir and see if that helps the leak.

 

oh, i see, hehe. Thanks!

but, are you sure is 10 dlls for the fluid on the dealer? thats pretty much cheaper than pentosin. In that case iĀ“ll go ASAP to the "not anymore Stealership" and get the fluid.