A3 noise on full lock

[DoubleSix]

Hi All,

Should qualify my post by stating I don't have any mechanical knowledge to speak of...

Just bought an old (2002) A3 for the Mrs to get about in. Car makes a loud screeching noise during slow manoeuvres with full lock on, what I believe to be a fan belt type noise. Why would this only happen at or close to full lock?

Thanks for any help

[1point7bar]

Power steering pump has a belt also.

[DoubleSix]

oh ok, I noticed the steering was heavy but assumed that was cause it was just an old car... would a fault here manifest in this way?

[1point7bar]

The pump is driven by a belt from the crank pulley.
If the belt has worn and/or lost tension it may not drive the pump adequately.
The pulleys can also polish up in the V grooves and lose grip.
Try and pull slack in the belt with the engine switched off.
There should be very little play.

[DoubleSix]

Cheers, I'll give that a try, hopefully I can locate it!

If the pulleys have polished up do things get expensive or do you just fit a new belt? I still have the option to hand the car back so just want to understand how much this could end up costing.

Thanks again.

[1point7bar]

Some production paper soon scratches away the polished surface.

[maniac0796]

Check the belt and tensioner. Check the fluid level.

Belt should be clean, and free from cracks. Tensioner shouldn't be jumping round excesively at idle.

Fluid will probably be CHF11s. Resevoir on the left hand side of the engine bay, near the coolant tank. Green cap.

[DoubleSix]

Thanks guys, very kind.