I have 2002 A6, 54K. On very cold days sounds like power steering is having problems, when I turn wheel. However, once spring like conditions appear above 50F, noise disappears. Also looked a serpentine belt and looks like there maybe some scoring or wear marks in center of the belt? Maybe one of the pulleys? Any insight to this problem? Thnaks, RJ

this sounds like the belt is worn and needs replacing.when its damp and cold if the belt is worn it will slip easier under this condition than in warmer weather.also the belt tension may not be proper.if this has a belt adjuster that you can adjust then the tension may need to be tightened.if it has an automatic belt tensioner(one that adjust tension all the time)like a serpintine belt then the tensioner may need to be replaced as the spring that crates the tension do get weak over time.

please check your steering fluid level. or check its condition. when steering pumps start to get older whining noise can be heard in time. (especially in cold weather, it cause fluid gets thicker)this is due to wearing internal elements it is getting harder to pump fluid or hold pressure at a level.

learn to live with it until it fails(until it start to leak) and try not to turn your steering wheel to right end of its rotations.

If you had the clockspring on wrong and turned it, it is damaged now and needs to be replaced. Remove it and put the steering wheel on and turn to confirm. You need to disassemble and inspect.

one or more return fluid lines in the rack is malfunctioning.. everything will always be fine once you start moving because the system has power assist

I have frequently run into this problem. The "clock spring" in the steering column has a plastic case (shrinks when cold/expands when temperature warms up). It's a design flaw, not a defect. Replacing the clock spring usually eliminates the noise for awhile, but eventually it returns. It's one of those things that drives some people up the wall, but others just ignore it.

when its cold fluid will be lower than when its hot. sounds like you may have a suspension component broken, and for sure need alignment for those wheels

From memory, the horn circuit is actually completed by the steering shaft and in the engine bay there is a coupling, and looping from one side of the coupling to the other is a wire - check that this wire is in good condition. My next piece of advice would be to remove the steering wheel and check the condition of both the spring pin and the brass ring it rubs on.

Replace the Clock spring. It is mounted behind steering wheel. It alows electrical connection while the wheel turns.

Could be two problems. First the power steering; Check the tension of the drive belt for the power steering and the condition of the belt. If that appears to be OK, check the level of the fluid and its condition or apperance compared to new fluid that is recomended by the manufacturer. If that appears OK, it could possibly be the power steering pump it self. Second the clicking; It is most likely a bad CV (constant velocity) axle. Good Luck.

Hi,
Intermittent hard power steering, at the begining of the turn of the steering wheel, once disturbed past the hard part, works normal.
Had fluid change, I notice a sensor, on the control block tower of the rack, is this at fault ? thanks buckleyeng.