dradman

I really appreciate any help I can get on this. Nobody I know can pin-point the problem. I need some Audi expertise which I’m sure many of you have.

Now that winter is coming and the temperature is dropping, my car is making a whining noise at low rpm's. The noise is coming from under the hood. The colder it is outside the louder the noise. It is most apparent when driving between 750 - 1,500rpm and especially at complete stops when I begin to accelerate or reverse. Road noise drowns the sound out when I get over 2,000 rpm. When at a complete stop you can also hear it when I turn the wheel from left to right. If I rev the engine in neutral, as the rpm's come down from 2,000 - 750 (idle) the whining noise is really noticeable.

My car is a 2004 A4 3.0 Ultrasport. It currently has 115,000km's on it. This will be the 3rd winter I have owned the car and the problem seems to come back every year when the temperature goes below 5 degrees. In the spring and summer I do not hear ANYTHING, which makes this problem even more confusing. Why would a drop to temperature suddenly make the noise come back? Sometimes when I park in a garage the noise will go away, but as I drive in the cold air it begins to come back. This year it really seems to be worse.

Initially I thought I had a problem with the power steering motor b/c when I purchased the car I noticed the power steering fluid was close to empty, potentially damaging the motor. I pay close attention to the fluid these days and ensure it is topped up. It does not seem to have any leaks.

I now think it is directly related to engine/belt movement. I replaced my serpentine belt this past summer. Could this have something to do with the water pump, air pump, A/C, or perhaps the clutch/flywheel?? My clutch is not slipping and feels solid, but it was a used car so you never know how the previous owner treated it.

I am really stumped...i hope someone has a remedy for me.

Thanks again!

dradman

I have been reading up on power steering diagnostics. Perhaps this noise is stemming from a leak or water on my power steering fluid.

Does anyone recommend adding power steering stop leak fluid to my fluid reservior?

Thanks,

D

a4audi4fun

Water pump? - seems rpm related so anything attached to belts or cams. I have 87,000 kms on my 2005 3.0 B6 and had to get the water pump replaced under CPO about 1500 km ago - you could see coolant down at the lower portion of the engine and my coolant level was continually dropping. You case it may not be leaking but perhaps the impeller is starting to disintegrate or the bearing is going. if you do need to replace the water pump, recommend you do the tming belt & tensioner as well since everything is accessible at the same time. My dealer recommended I defer the timing belt until my next service since it's covered under my AudiCare for that last service anyway. That way they get one other opportunity to check everything out as well. After that I'll likely be doing all my service at an Indy.

SilentSam

Hey,

From what you've described, my first guess would be power steering pump. Depending on how long the previous owner had ran it almost dry, would def. damage it. Does it get louder when the steering wheel is turned either way, (not good to do when stopped) at low speed? The pump it self will run you around $350.00ish + installation. My 2 cents.

Leonard

mikeshin92

just sudden curiosity, how heavy is the steering on the b6? i bought my 1.8t b6 about 8months ago and the steering seems really really heavy compared to other manufacturer's cars. after a few hours of driving with one arm, my arm becomes pretty soar... is it the same with most other b6's too?

dradman

Thanks for your feedback guys.

A4audi4fun - My coolant level has not gone down. I make sure to track fluid levels. I do plan to replace the waterpump, timing belt, and tensioner all at once, but closer to 130,000km. Would the cold weather directly impact these mechanical items, because the noise only comes back in cold weather. I'm from Toronto and this morning was fairly warm (10 degrees)...I did not hear a thing.

SilentSam - my initial thoughts was that the power steering motor was damaged, and yes, the noise does get louder when I turn the wheel at low speeds (only in cold weather). The power steering is also heavier as mikeshin92 is experiencing with his B6. Although, when the weather is warmer the power steering is light and cooperative.

Do you recommend adding power steering stop leak fluid to my fluid reservior? Although the motor may be damaged, is it also possible that i have a leak in my line, or air bubbles?

Thanks,
Dave

adamstasiak

It looks like your power steering fluid is too dense and you have water in it.
Just replace it.

dradman

i will try that thanks.

Do you know the easiest way to drain the fluid?

adamstasiak

Shame on me I do not know how to drain it. I go the silly way and suck it out with the suction tool. This method does not replace 100% of it but it works.
I turn on the engine suck some out and add new one and so on...



I do not believe that your power steering pump is damaged, but it is possible that your seals on Rack and Pinion are damaged to the degree that they do not leak yet but they let some water in.

crono_87

dude, had the exact same problem.

DONT DO ANYTHING until you do this. i can bet my left nut this will solve everything because it did for me.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ring-Noise-Fix


Your welcome!