RSQ3 Power Steering Failure: Quick Repair Guide

Having experienced a similar issue with my 2018 SQ3, I can share my experience with power steering problems. Based on my some experience with Audi vehicles, these symptoms often point to electrical connections in the steering system. The main symptoms matched yours exactly, heavy steering wheel resistance, especially noticeable at parking speeds, and the power steering warning light illuminating. The steering column became increasingly difficult to turn, making the car practically undriveable. After diagnostic testing, the workshop found that a cable connection to the electric steering unit had deteriorated, causing intermittent power loss to the system. The repair involved replacing the wiring harness and connectors in the steering assembly. Total repair cost was 95 Euro, which included diagnosis and labor. Key signs that helped identify the issue: Progressive worsening of steering effort, Warning light activation, Inconsistent power steering assistance, Vibration through the steering wheel To provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Current mileage on your RSQ3, When was the last steering system service, Are there any additional warning messages, Does the issue worsen after driving for some time This information would help determine if your case matches the electrical connection issue I experienced or points to a different steering system problem.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My RSQ3 has 146671 KM and had its last scheduled service 3 months ago, where no steering issues were noted. Since my post, I checked the hydraulic fluid level in the power steering reservoir and its within normal range. The wheel alignment was also recently checked and found to be correct. The issue seems most severe during the first 10 minutes of driving, then slightly improves as the car warms up, but the steering remains noticeably heavier than normal. Your electrical connection diagnosis sounds promising, as I also notice the power steering assistance seems to cut in and out intermittently. I will have the workshop check the wiring harness and connectors in the steering system during next weeks appointment.

Thanks for the additional details about your RSQ3. After dealing with similar issues on my 2018 model, I suspect we might be looking at different root causes. While the electrical connections were the culprit in my case, your symptoms, especially the improvement after warm-up, suggest potential issues with the steering pump or pressure hose system. In my continued experience with these models, when the steering gets better after warming up, its often related to the hydraulic components rather than purely electrical issues. The steering pump might be showing early signs of wear, causing inconsistent pressure in the system. This matches with your mileage of 146671 KM, which is typically when these components start showing age. The workshop should specifically check: Steering pump operation at different temperatures, Pressure hose integrity and connections, Power steering fluid quality, not just level, Electrical connections as a secondary check When my steering system was fully repaired, the total cost ended up being around 450 Euro, significantly more than just the electrical fix. The steering pump replacement was the bulk of that cost, but it completely resolved the temperature-dependent symptoms. Would strongly suggest getting a pressure test done on the system before any major repairs. This will confirm if the steering pump is maintaining proper pressure throughout operation.

Thank you for the detailed analysis of my issue. The symptoms you describe with the hydraulic components match what I'm experiencing much closer than just an electrical problem. It makes sense that the steering pump could be the main culprit, especially given the mileage on my RSQ3. I will specifically request the workshop to perform the pressure test on the steering system during next weeks appointment. Knowing the potential repair cost of around 450 Euro helps me budget accordingly. I had initially hoped it would just be a simple electrical fix like your first case, but the temperature-dependent behavior does point more toward hydraulic steering system components. I will also have them inspect the pressure hose and connections while they test the steering pump operation. The fact that the power steering fluid level is normal but the assistance remains inconsistent definitely suggests a pressure-related problem rather than just low fluid. I will update once the workshop completes their diagnosis and repair. Hopefully identifying these specific components to check will help them pinpoint the exact issue faster.