Audi A6 quattro question | FerrariChat

Audi A6 quattro question

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by AnotherDunneDeal, Nov 17, 2010.

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  1. AnotherDunneDeal

    AnotherDunneDeal F1 Veteran

    Jun 2, 2003
    6,109
    N.Richland Hills, Tx
    Full Name:
    James Dunne
    Any of you guys have experience with Audi A6 steering. My sons car is a 1998 A6 Quattro.
    I noticed when I drove it last night that it turns left with minimal effort and the power rack and pinion seems to work fine. But when I turned to the right the effort needed to turn was increased quite a lot. I know it cannot be something in a line or it would be harder to steer all the time. Is there a checkball or something that transfers fluid from one side to the other when the car is being turned.

    Anyone know of something I can look into to find a fix for this short of replacing the rack.....

    Thanks, guys,,,,,,
     
  2. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,741
    Classic sign of incorrect caster.
     
  3. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    20,034
    The Cold North
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    Tom
    Unless the car has been smashed, caster is NON adjustable on these cars. Sounds like the rack or the pump is in need of replacement. But first check the return side of the system for leaks or blockage.
     
  4. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
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    Geno
    post your q on audiworld.com under the A6 B5 forum
     
  5. AnotherDunneDeal

    AnotherDunneDeal F1 Veteran

    Jun 2, 2003
    6,109
    N.Richland Hills, Tx
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    James Dunne
    Ok. I just enjoy F/C much more. I will go check it out. Thanks.........
     
  6. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
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    Geno
    If you don't want to set up an account I'll ask for you as I have one (and two quattros). I would guess it's a cv joint
     
  7. AnotherDunneDeal

    AnotherDunneDeal F1 Veteran

    Jun 2, 2003
    6,109
    N.Richland Hills, Tx
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    James Dunne
    Sounds possible. I raised it up and looked and the boot is split on the right front axle. No noise yet but it has lost it lubrication. So I will need to do something soon.......
     
  8. SRT Mike

    SRT Mike Two Time F1 World Champ

    Oct 31, 2003
    23,343
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    One of my employees has an A4 that did the exact same thing, it was something in the suspension/driveline on the front right wheel. Maybe a CV joint? Don't remember exactly, but it wasn't the rack.

    It cost her ~$600 to fix.
     
  9. AnotherDunneDeal

    AnotherDunneDeal F1 Veteran

    Jun 2, 2003
    6,109
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    James Dunne
    The split boot can lead to CV failure as the lubrication for the CV is in the boot and it splitting will cause it to lose the lubricant. I need to check the CV to see if it is out or if I can save it by replacing the boot and lubricant.........Do not need this expense right now, dang it.....
     
  10. EMI-SC

    EMI-SC Karting

    Aug 2, 2008
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    Chris Felber
    We see a lot of these cars with steerig rack problems. How does the fluid look? Does the system have any leaks? Has it been run without fluid? Thanks

    Chris
     
  11. AnotherDunneDeal

    AnotherDunneDeal F1 Veteran

    Jun 2, 2003
    6,109
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    James Dunne
    No fluid leaks. Have not had to add any. Fluid is a little dark. Never has been run without fluid. Hear no squealing or moaning from the PS. But, like I said, the right side boot is split.
     
  12. Europeanroadandracing

    Europeanroadandracing South Carolina
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 19, 2003
    2,228
    Isle of Palms, SC
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    Karl Troy
    The boot has nothing to do with it. If the CV joint is binding it would do it in both directions. I think you need a rack.
    Karl
     
  13. Green Archers

    Green Archers Rookie

    Jun 16, 2011
    1
    You mean that when you steer left its fine and then when you steer right it gets really hard? Common steering problems. Maybe it was the caster. Or some audi A6 quattro parts.
     
  14. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro F1 Rookie

    May 6, 2007
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    Vig
    +1
     
  15. It's Ross

    It's Ross Formula 3

    Jul 30, 2007
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    Ross
    #15 It's Ross, Jun 16, 2011
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2011
    I can't concieve how the CV joint would cause this symptom. Caster perhaps, but is not adjustable so unless a suspension component has failed or the wheel has had an impact I think not.
    My limited and always unpleasant experience working on Audis leads me to also point at the steering rack. They seem to fail with regularity. Fun job too.
    Please follow up, Jim
     

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