Urgent techie help req'd

[MikeB]

Took car out for a spin on Saturday - no problem. Fired it up on Sunday, howling whine from around the gearbox area, which had a direct relationship with the loud pedal. Also strangely increased when turning the steering wheel. I thought it was maybe some gravel lodged in the underbelly, so took it for a spin and it disappeared after about 15 minutes. Started it up again tonight, same problem. The whine sounds like a cheap drill.

Any clues? I dont really want to have to get the car uplifted again if its not serious, as it took more than 24 hours to arrange the last time, and we were planning on heading south in the car at the weekend. And the Disco broke down today as well. Its also down the road.

Thanks in advance.

[swansailor]

You might want to check your power steering fluid level ...or look at the pump.

[MikeB]

will do. car has only done 2300 miles.

[MikeB]

Thanks for the tip. Reservoir was dry. What would cause that after so few miles? I did see some leakage from under the car a few days ago but assumed it was the aircon.

[R84ME]

Listen (I sound like Obama), I had an 04 S4 Avant that did the exact same thing - before I discovered the exact same thing you just did. Checking the PS fluid in ANY Audi is absolutely critical. They consume almost as much PS fluid as gas, well, not quite but you get the picture.

I purchased a can of Pentosin and checked the fluid every other fill up or so. You will be surprised to see how quickly it goes down. And be sure to take some with you on long trips. You can't buy that stuff at a regular filling station!!!

[Rob A]

You have leak. Just get Audi to repair it.

[r8rob]

Sounds like you have a leak, they do not 'just' drink PAS fluid like that.... If you were to just keep topping it, make sure its mineral based oil, and NOT synthetic.

[MikeB]

Thanks. I have just had 2 litres!! of PAS fluid delivered by Audi dealer for trip down south. I will get it sorted when I get back, but nearest dealer is 2 hrs away.

[r8jon]

Mine had a new gearbox at 2000 miles !!!