I have an 2000 A6 Avant with 104K miles on it. I am having a problem when the car gets warmed-up the steering makes groaning noise when I turn either way and makes a clunk noise when going over light bumps. The fluid is topped off but it is black in color. I am going to flush system today and replace the Mineral oil. Any other ideas as what could be the problem? The front suspension was done about seven months ago. Thanks for any help.

 

It just needs a flush...mine did the same thing. Make sure you get the correct hydaulic fluid that Audi calls for.

 

Thanks, it is working great so far.

 

I would assume that you still have the clunking, correct? You should have your control arms and tie rod ends inspected for wear.

 

Um, about this mineral oil for the power steering is that a fancy way to say regular power steering fluid or is it really special.

"Sigh" I will be the one to ask the stupid question. I just dont want to mess anything up.

 

Audi uses Pentosin Hydraulic/Power Steering Fluid-CHF 11S

 

The flushing didn't work. Going to order new tie rods and etc...
Any thing I should be aware of?? Are the Ebay specials good or should I stay away from them?
Other than that, I love my Avant. The nearest Audi place is almost 60 miles away, so I do most of my own work.

 

You can use solid tie rod ends from the S4. The C5 A6 tie rod ends have rubber bushings that wear out and that's where you get the clunk. Try ECS tuning for a good set of tie rod ends if S4 units can't be found. Avoid the eBay and/or Mayle tie rod ends.

You should also consider that the groaning that you're hearing when you turn left/right in the heat is a dry ball joint pressed into the control arms. I'll bet you you have 1 or 2 bad ball joints. I just began to hear one on my car this past week. I've had 2 control arms replaced so far, this will make 3. I'm not complaining necessarily because I trust my local garage and they only replace bad control arms whereas some shops will try to sell you on a full replacement of all 8 control arms at once.

 

Is it Mayle or Meyle I should avoid? ECS has Meyle and so does Ebay.

Noise only starts after about 15-30 minutes in hot weather. In the morning when I go to work (5 am) I do not get the sound. When I go home (4 pm) it is really hot outside and I get the noise. Is this something leading to the tie rods or something else?

 

Wel, after all the frustration, it finally came down to the steering pump. Replaced that and flushed the system again and it all worked great. Just glad it wasn't the rack[IMG][/IMG]