nashRS4

The noise comes from somewhere in the nose of the car.

This is especially obvious when I start the car in the garage... it makes a pronounced groaning as I make a couple turns to get out of my garage and onto the street. Or if I'm at a standstill and turn the wheel left and right it makes the same noise. It is also apparent when low speed steering in a parking lot, for example.

Is there something wrong, or are all Servotronic cars like this?

LIRS6

must be an RS thing ... have it checked, sometimes low fluid is the cause

DrGP

Not trying to be derogatory. But what you may be hearing is a condition that is inhereent to AWD cars at slow speeds. It is the result of the AWD system. Since the turning radii of the outside tires are greater than that of the inside, the tires actually scrub against the road surface to make up the difference. This is especially noticeable at slow speeds. This was a common issue with the b6/b7 s4s. I also notice the same on my AWD Mountaineer. Perhaps this is what you are hearing or perhaps it is something else. Without being there to hear what you are experiencing, it is difficult to be sure.

daveak05

Groan normal, creak not...you may have something binding or low fluid

daveak05

I used to hear/feel what you described on my Geo Tracker in 4WD mode years ago. But, having owned Audis and a Subaru Legacy, I have not had that occur in even a mild form. Where AWD cars use fluid couplings to drive all 4 wheels, some 4WD jeeps or SUV's use a transfer case for 4WD high and low. They are older and less sophisticated 4WD designs.

I think his problem of hearing the noise while stationary turning is more likely steering related, not AWD related. JMO.

s4for5_TTfor2

I agree..
As a side note:
My B6 used PS fluid during the first 6 months of ownership..
I stopped having to add any after that ?

nashRS4

It is definitely not tire noise.

DrGP

Then it doesn't leak into that area any more. I don't believe that it evaporates