A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Hi!

I have an Audi A4 S-Line 2012.

My issue concerns the steering wheel/power steering which become too firm or tend to deviate from the road specially on rugged roads (all over montreal...)

It only happened with my 19 inch all-seasons tires (not with my 19 inch winter tires). I called the dealership and they said that's an issue when using 19 inch all seasons tires.

Does anyone had this problem and/or knows a way to fix it?

Thx!

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

I think you're experiencing tramlining. That is a problem on wide and low profile tires.

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

I agree. You may feel a "pulling" sensation from side to side when rolling over a surface with ruts or a kerf in the road.

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Thx for the infos!

btw is there any ways or brand of tires that may lessen that tramlining?

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

I'm gonna say that softer sidewalls will lessen the tramlining. You don't get them as much in winter even in same size because the rubber is softer.

I had a lowered 3 series BMW before with Bridgestone run flat 18" summer tires. They were a b*tch to drive on ruts.

Check to make sure your tire pressures are correct and don't overinflate them (harder sidewalls)

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Your tires can make a huge difference with this. I got mine with 19" Dunlop Sports summer tires and when i switched back from my winters they screwed up and gave me a set of Pirelli Pzero's isntead. The Pirellis were great on smooth roads but as soon as i hit a rut or wear in the pavement they wanted to take right off to the side. Back with the Dunlop's now and it is soooooo much better! I would avoid anything with a super stiff sidewall unless you are drivign on really nice roads most of the time.

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Thx I'll try the Dunlop next summer!

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Hi, I also have the 19" Dunlop Sports on my 2010 A4..no problem, but the Montreal roads are
nothing to brag about.
I was thinking of going to an all season for my next tire purchase, so I appreciate your input, probably will stay with the Dunlops since I like the way they handle.
FYI, my winters and 4 17" Gislaved mounted in their own rims purchased at the dealer...also very good handling.

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Hi there yall.
I just broke in my first 100 km on new S4
awesome ride had the 19" wheels replaced by the dealer at no cost for the same reason.
I had noise and pull.
Took back and asked for solution now!
I said take the wheels out put on 18" and let me drive it.
The gave me some money in credit towards my winter set and the 18" make a huge diference.
Better feel, looks not as nice .
However, the drive is much better, and no noise at all on curves at full turn. As well as no tumping on the stearing wile on fast turns /high revol...
Thanks to Audi Dealer. They whent all the way to make it right and even admited that this car was no really suposed to have 19" since it offers a lot of long term problems.
The noise is not a good sign!
EVER.

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Why did you have noise at turns? Are you rubbing your fenders?

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

no rubbing. just tire grabing the road to much at turns. specialy in reverse motion.
No with the 18"

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Hi all

I just put 20in wheels on my 2011 a4 for less than a week and now the wheel are difficult to turn. Almost impossible when the car not moving. And very hard when moving. They didn't doing this at the begening. So I opened the power steering fluid reservoir. And. No more oil in it. So I have a leek. But I did not see any oil drop or broken line.

Anybody have an idea of what broken ??? :confused:

Thanks

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

Check the power steering lines to/from the pump; look for signs of leaking. Being a 2011, you should still have some factory warranty - suggest checking with your dealer.

Re: A4 S-Line Power Steering Issue With 19 nch Wheels
 

I found the leek. Its one of the rack rubber end. There a big hole there. Is ir normal thats rubber is full of oil? Or I just have to change it. And add new oil?

And by the way. No more warranty.

Thanks