I have a 2006 a6 4.2 and PS pump making noise when its cold. I would like to flush/change the fiuld to see if that is the problem before i take in to dealer. Any suggestions on how to flush it and what fluid i should use?

 

I'm starting to have the same problem. Did you find out what was making the noise?

Thanks.

 

Take it to any reputable garage for the flushing but make sure you use the correct oil. It should be stamped on the PS fill or you can find it in the owners manual. I recently had a power steering problem that started with noise and ended up with a new steering rack for $2k. Make sure you get it checked out properly.

 

Stupid question but have you checked the oil level? Mine was making noise too and as I get my car done at the shop all the time (oil changes that is) I would have assumed they check all the levels. Clearly they do not as my PS fluid was low. Topped it off and now its back to normal. BTW, I went to the dealership and bought the PS fluid from them for $23. I know expensive but at lease I got the right stuff. As I recall its a mineral oil that is required.

 

Thanks for the replies and helping. I did check the level and used the fluid by the dealer. I'm just ignoring it because it only happens during a cold start up.

 

Ya, mine is a bit louder on cold start up too but goes away relatively quickly. Mine has 233k on it now so in the same boat as you, ignoring it.

 

Mine did the same thing, only on cold starts. The issue here is that when you start cold the level of fluid drops enough that it draws air into the circulating fluid. Some shops have even replaced pumps thinking they were on the way out. Try this before anything else, top up the fluid to about half an inch above the full line. I'd put money on it, the noise goes away.