Audi Power Steering Failure: Warning Signs & Solutions

I had a very similar issue with my Audi A4 (2006, gasoline). With some experience working on cars, I recognized these steering system symptoms immediately. The power steering warning light and vibrating steering wheel pointed to an electrical issue rather than a hydraulic fluid problem. After inspection, the workshop found a damaged cable connection to the power steering control unit. The wire insulation had worn through, causing intermittent failures in the steering system. The repair involved replacing the wiring harness section and properly securing it to prevent future wear. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostic work. Much better than replacing the entire power steering pump, which was my initial worry. Before giving more specific advice, could you share: Does the steering get particularly heavy when turning in one direction? Have you checked the power steering fluid level? Did you notice any unusual sounds during wheel movement? When exactly did the warning light first appear? A proper wheel alignment check might also be worth considering, as misalignment can put extra stress on the steering components. The symptoms you describe are very similar to what I experienced, but knowing these details would help confirm if you are dealing with the same issue.

Thanks for the input. Just checked at 107150KM and my service history shows the power steering fluid level is normal according to last service. The steering wheel becomes extremely heavy when turning right, accompanied by a whining noise from the steering column. The problem started gradually over 2-3 weeks before the warning light appeared. I did notice a small puddle under the car this morning, which makes me suspect a leaking pressure hose might be the culprit. The steering gets progressively harder during longer drives, especially in colder weather. Based on your experience with electrical issues, I will have the wiring checked, but the fluid leak suggests I might be dealing with a different problem here. Will get it properly diagnosed at a workshop this week.

Thanks for those additional details. Your symptoms actually sound quite different from my electrical issue, particularly with that fluid leak and the whining noise. The power steering system in these Audis typically shows these exact symptoms when there is a pressure hose failure. The progressive worsening during longer drives and the whining noise when turning right strongly suggest a hydraulic rather than electrical problem. The steering rack receives uneven pressure due to the leaking pressure hose, causing that heavy steering sensation specifically during right turns. In my case, after the wiring fix, I actually ended up having the pressure hose replaced about a year later when it started showing similar symptoms to yours. The repair included: New power steering pressure hose, System flush, Fresh power steering fluid Total cost was around 280 Euro for parts and labor. Much more than my earlier electrical fix, but still better than needing a full steering rack replacement. The puddle under your car is a clear indicator, I would get this checked soon before the system runs too low on fluid, which could damage other steering components. Look specifically for power steering fluid leaks around the pressure hose connections to the pump and steering rack.

Based on your feedback and my symptoms, it seems I am indeed dealing with a hydraulic issue in the power steering system. The leak and whining noise make more sense now, especially since it matches your later experience with the pressure hose problem. Will book the car in for repairs tomorrow. The cost estimate of 280 Euro for a pressure hose replacement sounds reasonable, and it is certainly better than risking damage to the entire steering rack by continuing to drive with a leak. The fact that my steering gets worse during longer drives matches exactly what you described. Given the similarities, I will ask the workshop to check both the pressure hose connections and do a complete system flush while they are at it. Thank you for the detailed comparison between electrical and hydraulic steering issues. This helped me understand what I am dealing with and what to expect at the workshop. Will update once I get the official diagnosis and repair completed.