Audi SQ8 Power Steering Failure: Symptoms & Solutions

I had a very similar issue with my 2018 Audi SQ7. As someone with moderate experience working on cars, I initially thought it was a hydraulic fluid issue in the steering system. After the steering wheel started vibrating and getting increasingly difficult to turn, I took it to a workshop. The diagnosis revealed it wasnt actually the steering rack or hydraulic components, but rather a faulty cable connection to the power steering control module near the steering column. The repair was relatively straightforward. The technician found and replaced a damaged wiring connector, which had caused the steering system to malfunction. Total cost was 95 Euro and the repair took about 2 hours. Before I can offer more specific advice about your case, could you share: Have you noticed any warning lights on the dashboard? Does the steering feel different when the engine is cold vs warm? Can you describe exactly when the vibration occurs (at specific speeds, during turns, or constant)? Have you checked the power steering fluid level? These details would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced with the steering system wiring.

Thanks for the great details about your SQ7 experience. My SQ8 has 182549KM and was last serviced 3 months ago. The steering wheel vibration occurs mainly at highway speeds and during sharp turns. The warning light appeared just yesterday on the dashboard, showing a yellow steering wheel symbol. The electric steering seems to work fine when the engine is cold but gets progressively harder to turn after about 15 minutes of driving. I initially suspected the wheel alignment might be off, but the recent service included an alignment check that came back normal. I will check the condition of the wiring connectors as you suggested. The symptoms do sound similar to what you experienced with your steering system. It gives me hope that it might be a relatively simple fix rather than a complete steering rack replacement.

Your steering symptoms sound nearly identical to what I experienced with my SQ7. Based on your description of the steering getting harder after warm-up and the warning light, I'm even more convinced its likely an electrical issue affecting the power steering system. In my case, the wiring problem was causing intermittent power loss to the electric steering components. The heat from normal operation would make the connection worse, explaining why it worked better when cold. A few things you can check before heading to the shop: Look for any visible damage to wires near the steering column, Listen for unusual whining noises from the steering pump when turning, Check if the wheel alignment feels different between left and right turns My repair was straightforward, but be prepared that your issue could be different. While my fix was just 95 Euro, a full steering system repair could range from 400-1200 Euro depending on the exact problem. Would recommend getting it checked soon, as continued driving with compromised power steering can put extra stress on other steering components. Ask the technician to specifically check the wiring and connections before assuming its a major mechanical issue.

Thanks for the helpful response. Yes, my SQ8 is at 182549KM and was last serviced 3 months ago. The steering wheel vibration occurs mainly at highway speeds and during sharp turns. The warning light appeared just yesterday on the dashboard, showing a yellow steering wheel symbol. The electric steering seems to work fine when the engine is cold but gets progressively harder to turn after about 15 minutes of driving. I initially suspected the wheel alignment might be off, but the recent service included an alignment check that came back normal. I will check the condition of the wiring connectors as you suggested. The symptoms do sound similar to what you experienced with your steering system. It gives me hope that it might be a relatively simple fix rather than a complete steering rack replacement. I did notice a slight whining noise from the pressure hose area when turning, so I will have them inspect that as well. I will schedule a diagnostic check this week and specifically ask them to examine the electrical connections before looking into more extensive repairs. Thank you for the detailed cost breakdown. It helps to know what price range to expect, from a simple wiring fix to a full steering system overhaul.