2003, Audi A6, 3.0L V6 with 53,000 miles

I've done some reading throughout the site on this issue and it seems that this power steering issue is a common occurrence. I know that my problem is definitely coming from the power steering system.

The noise started on a cold start, and was loud and a bit of a grind/wine. It wines more while I am turning and driving at the same time. It is more of a grind when the car is stationary and I turn the steering wheel. I added power steering fluid to it the first time and the noise immediately went away. At the time that I added it, the reservoir was a bit low, but the car was running when it was added....the reservoir was accidentally overfilled and there was quite a bit of overflow that squirted out of the cap through the small hole. The fluid was murky, kind of a dark brown and had lots of froth/bubbles indicating there might be air in the system.

I continued to drive the car and the noise was gone for a day, but then two days later, it came back. This indicated to me that there was a leak in the system or an issue with the whole system. I took it in and had it serviced. They indicated that you could literally just pull the hoses off with no resistance. They drained the system, put new PS fluid in. Problem fixed....at least for a few days.

Now, I turn on the car in the morning (its cold out) and the steering wheel grind is not there immediately. I start my drive to work, and as I drive more, the problem again begins to present itself. After I get done working, eight hours later, I drive my car and the noise is basically gone and wont reappear until the next morning.

Sorry for the long recap, but I wanted to present as much info. as possible so others can maybe identify with some of the same details as I.

Questions -

- For $800+, I can have the whole system replaced through Audi. Should I seriously consider paying this much or even getting the whole system replaced?
- I called the mechanic back and told him of the problem and he said there might be air in the system still and that is might just take some time for the air to be blown out...is this true or will there always be air in the system until I actually have something done? And what is that something?
- Any other thoughts or suggestions on how I can fix this problem? It is so dang annoying.

 

You're right, these cars shouldn't sound like this. My guess is if there is still air in the system, you should hear it all the time. But its worth a try to bleed more. It's best to have the front wheels off the ground. Take the cap off the resevoir and see if you can get the bubbles out by turning the wheels back and forth. If it's going to work, it won't take long. If you need to replace the pump, get a price from an indy or two.