Brakes/Steering - Groaning Noise When Wheel Is Turned
87audi04Number: Group:
87-13
48
December 18, 1987
Brakes - Steering
Applies To: ALL 5000 from 1984
Subject: Eliminating "groaning" noise when steering wheel is turned.
(Supercedes Product Circular, Group 48, No. 87-01)
A groaning noise from the steering system when the wheel is turned (usually while turning left) could be caused by one or more of the following:
^ steering gear (rack preload) needs adjusting
^ lack of lubrication in steering rack
^ tie rods not properly installed onto rack
^ restrictions in hydraulic system
Steering gear adjustment must be done before any other repairs to correct groaning noises. See Repair Manual page 48.10.
FIGURE 1 - HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM, CHECKING FOR RESTRICTIONS:
The following procedure covers steering rack lubrication and proper tie rod installation. If the groaning noise persists, see Fig. 1, checking for restrictions in hydraulic steering system, on page 2.
Steering rack bushing, lubricating
Work sequence
- remove tie rod to steering rack bolts (arrow), lock plate, tie rods, and tie rod bracket from steering rack
- remove right side steering boot clamp
- push boot toward center of vehicle
- turn steering wheel fully to right
- lubricate steering rack bushing (arrow) with gear grease, Part No. AOF 063 000 04
- pull boot back into position and replace clamp
Note
Install clamp 210 mm (8-1/4 in.) from end of steering gear assembly.
- return steering wheel to original position and install tie rod bracket, tie rods, NEW lock plate, and start tie rod bolts into steering rack threads, DO NOT TIGHTEN
- if necessary, lower vehicle so that it stands on its wheels
- bounce vehicle several times to settle suspension
- tighten tie rod to steering rack bolts to 60 N-m (44 ft.lb.)
- remove hydraulic line fittings at pump and inspect banjo bolts for dirt and metal particles
CAUTION
DO NOT clean banjo bolts, only replace them.
FIGURE 1 - HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM, CHECKING FOR RESTRICTIONS:
- separate pump to accumulator line at fitting (arrow) and check if damper hose is missing or restricted
- reassemble fittings and if necessary, add hydraulic fluid to reservoir
CAUTION
Use only hydraulic fluid, Part No. G 002 000.
Note
If steering rack bushing has been lubricated (page 1), no hydraulic restrictions have been found, and noise is still present when steering wheel is turned, replace steering rack.