Hi guys- 2000 S4 130K. When starting the car in the morning when the cars engine's cold, I'm gettin a pretty loud humming/growling noise. I thought it might be one of the pulleys or something, but can't quite isolate it. It amplifies if you turn the wheels back and forth, but after the car's been run for a few it goes away, (or at least gets quiet enough where you can't hear it over the engine.) Any ideas?? thanks in advance.

 

Does it sound like a belt squeaking? If so, it could be a pulley, but it sounds more like the power steering pump.

Have you checked your fluid level to see if it's low?

Otherwise, first thing in the morning, when it's cold, the power steering fluid is going to be a bit thicker. The pump could be struggling with the increased viscosity, could be a sign the power steering pump is going bad.

 

Thanks - I'll check it out. Not a belt squeak though, kind of sounds right about the power steering pump as you describe it. Ill get back if that doesn't work.

 

ya your pump is going to be biting the dust soon.

 

Definitely check the fluid level on your ps pump. It may just be low. If so, refill it and you may be fine. I've been driving with a leaking ps pump for 2 years now, and it's just now starting to get bad.

 

its none of these...your problem is one of your vacuums has a leak...in the morning or when ever you start your car one of the vacuums under the radiator tank blows air into the engine to clean out excess carbon it only does this each time the engine is completely cold...so your prob only getting this in the morning or when ever you start up your car for the 1st time. it a vacuum with under the radiator tank check for leaks or if it is broken...floow it because it has 3 other opening or connectors...

i hope that made sense lol