A4 B8.5 1.8T S-line issue

[Boon]

Have had my A4 for over 2 years now and have come to dislike driving the car due to it's steering and handling. I'm not sure what the best way to describe it but car drives fine on a new flat road. However, in less than perfect roads, the steering will pull according to the road contour which is unlike any car I've driven before. Didn't notice it in my first year of ownership and have complained to Audi and have been told my alignment was off (got that fixed but issue remains) and that it's normal with the A4's with big wheels and sports suspension.

Previously owned a Jetta with coilovers and it never did that. Was way stiffer too. Wife's got a GTI performance and it drives a million times better.

Any ideas about the cause? Maybe change to smaller wheels which are less wide? Audi software/hardware issue? It's driving me mad so hoping to see what your opinions are. Cheers

[spud75]

Have had my A4 for over 2 years now and have come to dislike driving the car due to it's steering and handling. I'm not sure what the best way to describe it but car drives fine on a new flat road. However, in less than perfect roads, the steering will pull according to the road contour which is unlike any car I've driven before. Didn't notice it in my first year of ownership and have complained to Audi and have been told my alignment was off (got that fixed but issue remains) and that it's normal with the A4's with big wheels and sports suspension.

Previously owned a Jetta with coilovers and it never did that. Was way stiffer too. Wife's got a GTI performance and it drives a million times better.

Any ideas about the cause? Maybe change to smaller wheels which are less wide? Audi software/hardware issue? It's driving me mad so hoping to see what your opinions are. Cheers

Is the steering setting too soft?

I know in older Audi's you could set the steering 'softness' with VAG com from 1-5. Perhaps being less vague might mean you hold the steering wheel better with out the car wandering. I havent driven the new A4 so I cant comment on how it drives to others.

[Boon]

I have tried trouble shooting and I think turning off the Electronic Stability Control helps a little bit and steering feels stiffer so it would just 'ride' the bumps if you know what I mean. It doesn't completely remove it. I reckon the tyres are way too wide for the suspension setup or something.

[spud75]

I have tried trouble shooting and I think turning off the Electronic Stability Control helps a little bit and steering feels stiffer so it would just 'ride' the bumps if you know what I mean. It doesn't completely remove it. I reckon the tyres are way too wide for the suspension setup or something.

If you notice a difference with the ESC off, then perhaps a steering weighting change may well be of benefit.

Finally have a read of this thread. DIY Audi Individual Drive Select - VAGCOM

[bazzle]

Was it ok earlier on?
If so what has changed? What have 'you' changed?
What is worn, bushes, ball joints etc

[Boon]

Didn't notice it in it's 1st year but I was also driving more on the highway due to a different workplace. Haven't modified the car at all too. My old Jetta with coilers and 18's never had this issue so not sure why the stock Audi S-line suspension should suffer this issue. Some google searches have yielded some complaints of a similar kind due to negative camber roads with steering pulling to a side etc. Had one person report that Audi changed the whole steering system and still didn't fix it. Very poor design I reckon and will definitely give up the car when my lease ends

Was it ok earlier on?
If so what has changed? What have 'you' changed?
What is worn, bushes, ball joints etc

[h100vw]

Didn't notice it in it's 1st year but I was also driving more on the highway due to a different workplace. Haven't modified the car at all too. My old Jetta with coilers and 18's never had this issue so not sure why the stock Audi S-line suspension should suffer this issue. Some google searches have yielded some complaints of a similar kind due to negative camber roads with steering pulling to a side etc. Had one person report that Audi changed the whole steering system and still didn't fix it. Very poor design I reckon and will definitely give up the car when my lease ends

I bet something is worn out, have you had someone look at it? I don't mean ultratune but a Euro specialist. The front track control arms are a common failure item on most A4s.

\Gavin

[Boon]

I bet something is worn out, have you had someone look at it? I don't mean ultratune but a Euro specialist. The front track control arms are a common failure item on most A4s.

\Gavin

Taken to Audi Brisbane twice and told car is normal! Pisses me off really

[spud75]

Taken to Audi Brisbane twice and told car is normal! Pisses me off really

Without stating the obvious, you have had a front wheel alignment done havent you? They can be way off even direct brand new off the showroom floor.

[brad]

What type / brand of tyres?

What air pressure?

What alignment settings?

Go to somewhere like Accurate Suspension and have a specialist look at it. I can almost guarantee that your alignment is out (and probably it's caused some odd wear pattern in your tyres).