Audi Q2 Power Steering Failure: Symptoms & Solutions

I experienced a very similar issue with my 2014 Audi Q3 last year. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I first checked the hydraulic fluid level, but it was fine. The symptoms were identical, heavy steering wheel, vibrations, and that concerning sponginess in the steering system. After taking it to my regular workshop, they diagnosed a loose connection in the steering column wiring harness. The cable connecting to the power steering control unit had developed a poor contact over time. The steering wheel issues were caused by intermittent power delivery to the steering system. The fix was relatively straightforward, they repaired the connection and performed a quick diagnostic check of the steering system. Total cost was 95 Euro for labor and parts. While they had it up on the lift, they also did a wheel alignment check, which turned out to be within specs. Could you share: Any warning lights on the dashboard? Does the problem get worse when turning at low speeds? Have you noticed any unusual sounds from the steering system? When was your last wheel alignment done? This information would help determine if youre dealing with the same electrical issue or potentially something different in the power steering setup.

Thanks for the detailed response. Last service was done at 131000 KM and the wheel alignment was checked then. The steering wheel gets extremely heavy during slow speed maneuvers, especially when parking. There is a continuous whining noise coming from the steering system that gets louder when turning. The power steering warning light came on briefly but disappeared after restarting the car. The hydraulic fluid level appears normal, but I noticed some moisture around one pressure hose connection near the steering pump. This makes me think there might be a slow leak in the power steering system affecting the hydraulic pressure.

Based on those new symptoms, especially the whining noise and moisture around the pressure hose, this sounds more serious than the electrical issue I encountered. The combination of heavy steering, whining noise, and potential fluid seepage strongly suggests a failing power steering pump or deteriorating pressure hoses. In my Q3, the steering pump started making similar noises before it needed replacement. While the hydraulic fluid level might look normal, even a small leak can introduce air into the system, causing that whining sound and reduced power assistance. The repair on my vehicle involved: Replacing the steering pump (460 Euro), New pressure hoses (180 Euro), Fresh hydraulic fluid and system flush (90 Euro), Labor costs (320 Euro) The total came to around 1050 Euro, but it completely resolved the steering issues. The wheel alignment was still good, so that saved some cost. The moisture you noticed around the hose connection is particularly concerning. When steering rack seals or pressure hoses start failing, they often show small signs of seepage before developing into larger leaks. Getting this fixed sooner rather than later could prevent damage to other steering components. Would recommend getting this checked by a workshop soon, driving with compromised power steering can put extra stress on the steering rack and other components.

Thanks for sharing those details about your Q3 repair. The whining noise and steering pressure issues do sound quite concerning. I will have to get this looked at soon, especially with that moisture around the pressure hose that could indicate a leak in the power steering system. The fact that your steering pump repair cost around 1050 Euro total gives me a good baseline for what to expect. I will call my regular workshop tomorrow to have them check the hydraulic fluid system and pressure hoses before any serious damage occurs to other steering components. In the meantime, I will keep an eye on the power steering warning light and try to minimize tight turning maneuvers that put extra strain on the system. Better to address this now than risk a complete steering pump failure or damage to the steering rack later on. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It has helped confirm my suspicions about the power steering system and given me a clear idea of the potential repair scope and costs involved.