What to do if the steering wheel of Audi A4L becomes heavy?
3 Answers
Check whether the power steering fluid is insufficient or if there is any leakage. If the fluid is low, it needs to be replenished to the normal range. If the fluid level is normal, then inspect the power steering pump belt. Check whether the tire pressure of all four wheels is normal. Use a tire pressure monitoring device to measure the tire pressure. Insufficient tire pressure can cause difficulty in steering.
My Audi A4L also experienced steering wheel heaviness, especially noticeable at high RPM. I usually check tire pressure first - if too low it increases resistance. I use the onboard air pump to refill to the standard 2.4-2.6 bar. If that doesn't help, check power steering fluid level and top up if low, but don't randomly add fluid. The Audi A4L has electric power steering where sensor or module failures are common - in my case, a module error was resolved by resetting. Don't delay repairs as it's a safety issue, particularly risky on mountain roads or in rain. After fixing, the steering became noticeably lighter during test drives.
The steering wheel of the Audi A4L becoming heavier is usually an issue with the steering system, and I've encountered similar situations multiple times. Checking tire pressure and tire wear is the first step; a 25% lower tire pressure will make it much heavier. Insufficient power steering fluid or oil leakage can also cause the hydraulic power steering system to fail, requiring replacement or repair of the oil pipes. If it's electric power steering, a faulty EPS module needs to be reset with a diagnostic computer, which is difficult to DIY. It's recommended to go to a 4S shop for professional inspection in time to avoid additional damage to the wheels and suspension. Don't delay by driving long distances to prevent potential hazards of losing control at high speeds.
