The clamps on top of the pump i changed with SS non - perf and then the lines that are attached to the cooler (squigly line in front of the radiator) I replaced with fuel line clamps I got at advance. Also used the fuel line clamps on the resevoir lines.

Lower line clamps/ next to oil filter


Fuel line clamp


top of the pump clamps


SS non-perforated clamp

 

FWIW - I believe that there is a TSB out there that states that when filling the resivoir, it can and should be filled 10mm above the max line when hot, and this combats the cavitation problem.

I too had foaming after a TB job, and filling it 10mm past max and three days of normal driving cured the problem.

 

i had similar issues with noise and gurgling, was a little low, filled it above full by a bit, with baby oil none the less (lack of proper fluid, substitution necessary) not a problem. plan on flushing system soon anyway.

 

I am having the same problem - no problems with the steering at all, other than it getting loud when it's cold and/or my hydraulic fluid is low.

I had been having to top off the fluid every 3 weeks or so, so when I went to have a check engine light checked out (coil packs - easy, cheap job), I had them look at what was going on w/ the hydraulic fluid as well.

Well, the dealer tried to tell me I needed a whole new rack and pump for 2800.00. Also told me not to go aftermarket because those racks seem to fail after about 6 mo. Are you kiddin gme?

I am particularly interested in your opinion on aftermarket racks and pumps. And if you have a trusted Audi mechanic near Seattle let a girl know.

 

I replaced my pump over the weekend. the old one was dirty and grimy from what i'm assuming has been a slow leak in the rubber intake hose. right at the pump. When we took the intake hose off I think it was cracked a little and we ended up detroying it completely trying to get it off since it was stiff and brittle... We faked a new intake hose with a piece of Rubber hosing with a 90 degree bend in it. we didn't have a hose clamp that would fit in the very cramped space just above the cover to the timing belt so we used two big zip ties. Don't think it worked because there is still a small leak (I think) and the bubbles and noise remain (although not as loud as the old pump. I am going to the dealer tomorrow to get a new intake hose and hose clamp that actually fits in the cramped space. I am hoping that will fix the problem. If not I will replace all the other hoses and if that doensn't work I'm going to freak out!

 

I am pretty sure this is the problem I am having with my A6. How hard is it to check on these hoses? Are they pretty accessible? I noticed because I definitely have air bubbles in my reserve but don't seem to be "low" on fluid. This is worrying me because Id really hate to replace my pump seems very expensive from reading on here I if its just a clamp I don't want to let to continue and wear out the pump.

 

Their are two hoses attached to the tank. one is outflow (to the pump) and one is inflow (from the pump... once it circulates through to the pinions). the out flow hose is rubber leaving the tank then it connects to a metal line that snakes up behind the timing belt. this hose then connects to the rubber intake hose which connects directly to the pump at the top front of the engine. Not hard to see the pump, but it is hard to see/access the hose clamp at the base of the intake hose. you basically have to get the serpentine belt off and take the pulley off the pump to access the lower hose clamp. I had my bumper and headlights off and the front end in service position, but that's a big job if you haven't ever done it before... now I could do it all myself in an hour, plus get the serpentine belt and pulley off... i will need to do this again as the banjo bolt on the high pressure line coming off the pump is still F-ing leaking a little! grrr. and I want to put the real intake hose on instead of the faked one I have on there now... I replaced the factory hose clamps on the intake hose with adjustable ones and tightened them up good, then I doubled up all the other hose clamps I could see. no more bubbles at all, only that minor leak coming from the banjo bolt...

good luck.

 

I would definitely try tightening the top clamp (the one right on the pump) on the intake line first. Mine was way loose and I just tightened it and the air bubbles stopped and the noise went away.

 

Got all clams tighened and all seems back to normal now. You guys rock! Thanks!

 

I've got a 2004 A6 with the same problem (just bought it). Does anyone have a photo/video of where these cables and steering pump are located? Also, what is the suggested PS fluid to use?

Thanks!