What are the causes of friction noise when turning the steering wheel of an Audi Q5?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons for the friction noise when turning the steering wheel of an Audi Q5: 1. Lack of oil in the shock absorber's plain bearing: Listen near the hood to determine if the noise is coming from the top mount of the shock absorber. If the noise is from the plain bearing of the shock absorber, applying some grease to the plain bearing may help. If the noise persists after greasing, replacement is necessary. 2. Loose stabilizer bar bushings: Check if the stabilizer bar bushings are loose or damaged. Loose or damaged stabilizer bar bushings can cause noise not only when turning the steering wheel but also when driving on uneven roads. Loose bushings can be fixed by adding shims, but damaged ones must be replaced.
When I first drove the Audi Q5, I encountered a friction noise when turning the steering wheel. This is usually related to the steering system, such as aging bearings or bushings in the steering column. Lack of lubrication can cause friction sounds when turning the wheel. Another common cause is damage to the clock spring inside the steering wheel—the part connected to the airbag—which can also produce squeaking sounds due to poor contact. I recommend first checking the lubrication condition of the steering column and trying to add specialized lubricating oil to see if there's any improvement. If the noise persists, the steering column assembly may need replacement or adjustment, which involves overall steering system maintenance. It's more reliable to have it checked at a professional repair shop rather than waiting for a breakdown to occur. Sometimes, loose chassis components or tire issues can indirectly cause similar noises, so a thorough inspection is crucial to avoid affecting handling performance.
I've owned this Audi Q5 for several years, and occasionally hear a friction sound when turning the steering wheel, as if something is rubbing dryly. At first, I thought it was normal wear and tear, but later realized it might be due to wear on the steering column sleeve or an issue with the internal clock spring. A friend mentioned that poor contact in the clock spring often causes squeaking. I tried applying some lubricating oil to the steering components, which provided temporary relief—the sound diminished slightly. However, in the long run, I had to visit the dealership. After their inspection, they replaced the faulty parts, and the noise disappeared completely. As a side note, such issues tend to be more noticeable in cold weather because lubrication becomes less effective. Regular maintenance of the steering system can help prevent such problems—unlike me, who delayed addressing it until the steering became stiff.
