POWER STEERING

2003 AUDI A6
115,000 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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MIAMI24NATE
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My Audi A6 has had it's power steering pump replaced three times now. A brand new one is in right now and it is making the "whale sound" even louder than ever. What could it be and roughly how much to replace?

Thanks.
Dec 12, 2010 at 1:55 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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The new pump should be under warranty, are they using the correct oil? you must have Audi hydraulic oil part# G 002 000.

mark (mhpautos)
Dec 12, 2010 at 2:06 PM
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MIAMI24NATE
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Yeah, it is under warranty, but it's the third one... And I have to pay labor. They are using the special Audi hydraulic oil as well. Could it be the steering rack?
Dec 12, 2010 at 2:23 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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It could be a valving problem within the rack, is it a dealer doing the work, after the 3pump why was the rack not investigated???

mark (mhpautos)
Dec 12, 2010 at 2:25 PM
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MIAMI24NATE
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It is a buddy of mine who is a technician at an Audi Dealership. It was the 3rd pump in 1.5 years. We thought it was a bad pump the last time, but noise is still there... What may be wrong with valve? Any fixes for that? Is that same as "about to blow a seal?" I've heard that on other forums... Thanks for your expertise.
Dec 12, 2010 at 2:30 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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The noise may be oil leaking past a faulty valve causing the pump of-loader valve to flutter, you really need to get the line pressure tested this will show up any defect, i would say that this would have to be done at a dealer.

mark (mhpautos)
Dec 12, 2010 at 2:37 PM
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MIAMI24NATE
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Thanks Mark.
Dec 12, 2010 at 3:14 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Please keep me updated with this one, your results will help others at some stage.

mark (mhpautos)
Dec 12, 2010 at 9:48 PM
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WAHOO100
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I'm the "others" that Mark refers to above. I've got an '03 A6 with 75K and get that exact "whale sound" when turning...especially when it's cold and when I'm going slowly. Any conclusion as to what this might be? I had the power steering fluid flushed and replaced to remove air...still have the problem.
Thanks. Peter
Jan 14, 2011 at 11:08 PM