Audi A4 Power Steering Failure Signs and Symptoms

Had similar issues with a 2015 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI. The symptoms you describe match exactly what happened, heavy steering, shaking wheel, and power steering warning light. The root cause was a damaged wiring harness connecting to the electric power steering system. The cables had worn through near the steering column due to constant movement, causing intermittent connection issues. The steering rack and pump were actually fine. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention. The complete drop in power steering can occur suddenly, making the car dangerous to drive, especially during parking or emergency maneuvers. A proper diagnosis requires testing the electrical connections and signals to the power steering system. Most symptoms point to either a wiring issue or a failing steering rack control module rather than hydraulic problems, since your fluid level is normal. The repair involved replacing the damaged wiring harness section and testing all steering system components. The wheel alignment also needed adjustment after the repair to ensure proper steering response. Recommend finding a shop specializing in Audi electrical systems, as general mechanics often miss these specific wiring issues.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the steering issue. The failing wiring harness problem matches my symptoms exactly. I ended up having the same repair done recently. Already feels much safer now that the steering wheel operates smoothly again and that annoying warning light is gone. Just wondering, do you recall how much the power steering wiring harness repair cost you in total? Also, has everything been working properly since the fix, or have you noticed any other steering-related problems pop up? The pressure hose and hydraulic fluid were fine in my case too, which really points to the electrical system being the culprit in these Audi models.

Glad I could help identify the issue. After my wiring repair which cost 95 Euro to fix the faulty cable connection, the power steering has worked flawlessly. The shaking steering wheel completely stopped and the warning light never came back. The electric power steering system in these Audis is actually quite reliable once the wiring is properly secured. Going on 2 years now with zero steering problems since that repair. The wheel alignment stayed perfect and the steering feels as responsive as when the car was new. You made the right call getting it fixed quickly, a loose power steering connection can eventually lead to complete system failure. Much better to address these electrical issues early before they cause more extensive damage to the steering components.

I wanted to close the loop on my steering situation. After checking several shops, I found a certified Audi specialist who properly diagnosed the wiring harness issue. The total repair came to 820 Euro, including parts and labor. The steering wheel now feels rock solid with no more shaking or resistance. They also performed a wheel alignment to ensure everything was properly calibrated. The whole repair took about 4 hours and the electric steering system has been working perfectly for the past month. Much better experience than my first mechanic who kept insisting it was a pressure hose problem. Really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge here, saved me from potentially replacing expensive parts that weren't actually broken. The warning light is gone and the car handles like new again. For anyone else facing similar steering issues with these models, definitely get the electrical connections checked first before assuming its a hydraulic problem.