Clonk when turning steering wheel

1997 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Dave Kwatro, Feb 18, 2022

CHAD1102

Discussion Starter · Feb 1, 2022

Hi All
I have a 2010 V6 S5 cab and have noticed that it has a clonk when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. It happens when slightly turning the wheel . It feels like its coming from the steering wheel rather than further down. It doesnt happen on full lock or if i go over bumps. The steering feels fine and so does the suspension .
Any ideas please would be helpful.
TIA

Save

Reactions: 1

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

gais

· #2 · Feb 1, 2022

Suspension is the first thing I would check. Probably some wear on one of the ball-joints, tie rods or upper control arms.

Does it happen at a specific steering angle or does it happen when there is some load on the wheels while cornering? If it always happens at the same angle it can also be the steering rack. I've just had mine replaces as there was too much play at the axle where the steering rack is connected to the steering wheel, that resulted in a "clunk / click" at a specific angle of the steering wheel.

Save

Reactions: 1

CHAD1102

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 1, 2022

gais said:
Suspension is the first thing I would check. Probably some wear on one of the ball-joints, tie rods or upper control arms.

Does it happen at a specific steering angle or does it happen when there is some load on the wheels while cornering? If it always happens at the same angle it can also be the steering rack. I've just had mine replaces as there was too much play at the axle where the steering rack is connected to the steering wheel, that resulted in a "clunk / click" at a specific angle of the steering wheel.

Thanks for the reply
It happens when i am stationary and also at slow speeds up to 20 ish mph
I havent attempted it at higher speeds
Sometimes it will be only once when turning the wheel to full lock , sometimes i hear 4 or 5 clunks
it is not when it is on full lock
it feels like its at the top of the steering wheel
it doesnt matter if the car is cold or hot either

Save

Reactions: 1

SimonRoma

· #4 · Feb 1, 2022

Chad mate to be honest could be loads of things. From the front wheels to the ball joints to the steering rack to almost everything else. I suggest that you go see a VAG specialist and get his opinion.

Save

Reactions: 1

SimonRoma

· #5 · Feb 1, 2022

Ps could even be wheel bearings perhaps????

Save

CHAD1102

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 1, 2022

thanks guys , i got the car a month ago from a dealer and im taking the car back on the 3rd feb to look at it .
I dont want them to fob me off with lame excuses so i was looking for advice .
if im not happy i will take it to a specialist and then bill em !!!!

Save

Reactions: 1

gais

· #7 · Feb 1, 2022

I doubt it's the wheel bearing. If it's that far gone that you can feel it while steering, you would hear other noises that are far worse at speed and when cornering. Ball joints or bushings would be the first thing to check with the car on a lift.

Save

Reactions: 2

SimonRoma

· #8 · Feb 2, 2022

Well said Gais I agree, but of course it is almost impossible to understand without seeing the car. Chad mate he is totally correct. In the event that you purchased it from an official stealer then sure give them a chance but you also need to find a good VAG independent specialist for the post warranty period. Good luck!!

Save

Reactions: 1

omgwhathaveidone

· #9 · Feb 3, 2022

It could be as simple as the steering column knuckle - see Dave Kwatro's post (#6) here: Steering clunk?

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

Save

aboone

· #10 · Feb 3, 2022

Or even something more simple like low fluid. Had the same issue and other than the noise the steering was fine. Checked the steering fluid and it was almost empty…filled it up and the sound went away immediately.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Save

Reactions: 1

CHAD1102

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 18, 2022

Thanks all .
The garage has said its the steering rack and ball joints so they replacing them .
They are also doing the thermostat and water pump .
Thank god im not paying for it !!!!

Save

Dave Kwatro

· #12 · Feb 18, 2022

Yeah as above on the link to my post. There was a service bulletin on this. It's the uni joint where it attaches to the rack. Plenty of lube fixes it, or replacement shaft. You'll probably find replacing the steering rack and ball joint won't fix it unless you replace the steering intermediate shaft.

An Audi dealer should be aware of this.

Save

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month