Alfasteve

I have a 2016 Q5 2.0T with 44.5k miles that is starting to have some steering issues. The “assist” from the center position seems inconsistent. Steering is a bit hard turning the wheel from off center, it also seems a bit jerky. The steering feel is definitely poor. Since this is electromechanical steering, I find this very troubling. Does anyone have any similar experiences? Any solution ideas, or am I off base.

Also, I’m reposting this as I apparently put it in the wrong location the first time. If this is redundant, I apologize.

thanks,
Steve

salaz004

I have a similar issue as you are describing, in fact it seems to be getting worse. Did you find out what the issue was? I have a 2015 with 61k on it.

Joel

salaz004

I am answering my own post since nobody ever seems to come back this stuff with solutions. My problem was intermediate steering shaft was worn out and causing what felt like "notchy steering". I would turn from a straight postion and feel resistant and it felt like I got over a hump and then felt normal. This got worse and worse until the steering felt really heavy and somewhat sketchy to drive. I order the part from an audi OEM parts dealer for about $250 and it took less than an hour to swap out. Hardest part was getting the rubber water boot back on and the shaft back into position. You have to be careful not to turn the bottom piece attached to wheel steering assembly. It is pretty straight forward and you will need a set of triple square sockets to do the job. I got a decent set $20 from amazon.

kbrkr

Thanks for posting this! I'm not sure there are many DIY'ers here. I faced the same issue on the Porsche forum where most folks took their vehicle to the dealer. I'm like you and try to do it myself first and only use the dealer as a last resort!

Good Job!!!

DennisMitchell

Yes, excellent post. You may have been the first to DIY this problem on the forum.

MurrayA4

I agree very useful post.These U-joints fool a lot of people.Best way to diagnose them is have someone rotate the wheel while you watch and listen with a stethoscope.

DennisMitchell

Just changed my intermediate steering shaft on my 2014 Q5 at 87,000 miles. Steering wheel had to be forced back to center position after a turn. The lower u joint had significant resistance when I disconnected from steering rack. Audi OEM part is about $380, but I found an online Audi parts dealer for $280 plus shipping.

silver_tt

Also about to change it on my 2014 Q5 at 105,000 miles. Didn't drive the car for a month while we were on vacation and when I got home the steering felt "notchy" in that some parts of the turn of the steering wheel were hard, like if there was no power steering. Seems that this is a common issue and the current part 8R1-419-753-H has been revised several times and is newer than the 8R1-419-753-F that I am replacing. Don't forget two new bolts N-105-184-05.