audijim113

1998 A8 repaired following left site sideswipe with angle impact at left front wheel and A-pillar, I drove following accident for 10 miles to get home but knuckle was bent. Work was done by a collision shop. A-pillar straightened slightly, steering knuckle, fender and both doors replaced. All painted and looking pretty, runs good.. I'll be taking it back for a few minor follow ups but wondering what would make the steering hard. It's like the power steering isn't very powerful.

My wife drives it very little and mentioned the steering felt weird. Other than in and out of driveway, today was the first I drove it for any distance. I don't remember the steering being that hard. Comparing with my D3, which I believe has speed sensitive variable power, it's like I'm driving a 50's Chevy pickup truck. I even checked the fluid, thinking it might be down but it's good.

Between some big mechanical maintenance in the fall and now collision repair, I know I put too much money into it. Really hoping it's not the rack.

ctxspy

My old 2001 A8 had a similar issue (10 years ago..) . For comparison, my 2001 S8 which I have now, can be steered with my pinky finger.

I suggest searching the web for the 'servotronic relay' , it's a small plastic box.. I don't know the exact part number for the D2, but I believe this can have the effect you're experiencing, because when it fails it may not be telling the power steering system to provide the appropriate level of assistance.

jfrahm

My 2001 did this also, when cold it'd sometimes drop to low-assist for a while after startup. I just ignored it.