My A4 makes a rubbing or groaning sound when steering. If you've ever dragged a table across a concrete floor you know the sound (like fingernails on a chalkboard, only much lower in pitch).

It doesn't happen all the time. I used to think it happened only when turning the wheels near lock, but recently I've heard it when steering more gradual turns and seems more frequent. I've never heard it at high speeds, only at low speeds like navigating parking lots or pulling into my garage. Steering fluid is well above the minimum line and I haven't noticed any dramatic drop in fluid.

My car is a 2006 2.0T quattro with only 7,300 miles. Any else had this problem?

 

https://www.audiforums.com/m_549596/.../tm.htm#552937

Sounds like the problem I just had, read the above thread. Mine was an expensive fix at 500 to replace the tie rod ends, but it is now 100% fixed and havent heard the problem since so I am happy. Who knows yours could just need to be lubricated, but it sounds a lot like my problem.

 

Thanks bcdxuw. I checked out your post ... had seen some other posts talking about tie rod ends so you're probably right. Hopefully it's just lube though - the car's practically new. Noticed you're in Seattle - I bought my car from University Audi almost a year ago.

 

Thought I would follow up for anyone reading this thread. In my case, topping the power steering fluid up to its max level (even though it was never "low") resolved my steering groans.

 

I have the exact same issue. And I said, what the hell, my car only has 15,000 miles on it! (when it started making the noise) Its more annoying than a functional issue at this point. I will get it fixed under warrantee if it is not steering fluid or lube.