I have a 2006 A6 with about 29K on it. Last week the power steering start to act up. Every second of third start it is very heavy. If I turn off the car and start up again it's back to normal? I don't hear any noise from it and time of day or temperature doesn't seem to matter.

Any ideas?

Thanks.
Pat.

 

I think yours has 'speed sensitive steering', meaning theres a relay that increases/decreases steering feel depending on your speed - low/easy for parking, high/harder for highways. If you have the service manual, check it out.

 

Servotronic I believe its called... And the valve is Servotronic Solenoid Valve N119...

Worth a shot.

 

Thanks for replies. I will check it out but the feel of the power steering doesn't change with speed. When it's correct it's nice and easy from startup and driving. But when it's heavy it's heavy all the time until I turn off the engine and restart...then it's fine again (sometimes I need to stop/start twice).

Pat.

 

Oh, it gets heavier at speed... However, since steering usually gets lighter at speed, you dont really notice the offset


Ever drove a manual steering car?

 

Actually either way it doesn't change with speed. If it's heavy it's heavy from starting the engine and while driving. No change at all. It's correct(light) it's light feeling all the time.

Yes I have drive many cars without power steering

 

Ok.. then I would have to say something is up with the Servotronic. I'm not sure its something to DIY as it takes 2 techs to adjust correctly, from what I've read. A VAG-COM can read the different measuring blocks and narrow it down however.

 

Ok thanks for the help. Although wouldn't something like that make the engine diagnostic light come on?

 

No.. dont think so. There is actually a mod where you disable it at will.. though I cant think of why other than maybe racing..

 

I have come across this problem before at the dealer. No codes, stiff steering erratically, and no idea whats wrong. I called the engineers at techline and they said to re-boot the central electrics 2 module under the glovebox on the passenger's side. To re-boot it just disconnect it and plug it back in. That seemed to fix it and i haven't had the car come back.....I dunno, stupid servotronic systems.