Hello Q5 & Audi owners. I justed purchased a 2009 Q5 3.2 and I noticed a little growning when I turn the steering wheel when stationary and I slow speeds (parking lot).

Is this normal? I've read somewhere that the Q5 has electronic steering (fly by wire). With electronic steering, is there a P/S reservoir? Any fluid to change/refill?

Thanks, stickman1970

 

It is electric ASSIST, not "fly by wire". There's still a mechanical connection to the steering rack. The growling is normal, it's just the (big) electric motor, attached to the rack, running. Normally, only hear it when sitting still or going very slowly and turning.

There is no hydraulic system (i.e. reservoir or fluid) with this system.

Side note: I highly doubt if we will ever have a fly by wire steering (or brakes) on cars. I'm sure it it could be done, and be 99.9% reliable but,,,,,,,,,there's always that 0.1% chance of a failure. DOn't know about you but I feel a lot more sure with some sort of mechanical connection, you know,,,,,,,,,,just in case!

 

Thanks Aspen.

I used the term "fly-by-wire" because it's a term that was used when I worked at Ford.

Again, thanks for the information.

 

I had to have a hose replaced under warranty on my 2010.....might want to bitch to the dealer and see if they will check yours for free......

 

Beware of the groaning noise it might well be a sign of something more serious. My 2009 Q5 just came back from the dealers after needing to have the main UV joint replaced. Essentially the power steering worked only intermittently and caused a serious accident.
My problems started with an unusual noise from the steering when at or near full lock.
I think they need to recall the cars but dont want to.