I had a problem with my 2.8 A4 '98, about 3 weeks ago my front wheels started strange noises, it sounded really bad, so I didn't want to drive it to the dealer, instead I had it towd to the dealership (100miles) <p>it has been there for 2 weeks now, and they have found that the power steering was the problem, my dealer service department, first suggested that a different kind of fuild had been put into the power steering... (they said that it was the wrong color), I asked them how this could be, they hinted that I had done this, but why would I have a reason to go in there and add some fuild into my own car.. it is only a year old it shouldn't have this kind of problem, my girlfriends Acura integra is a 3 year old car and we never changed the power steering (maybe during service but that is it)<p>I was very angry that they blamed me for the problem, and not one of their own people, because when ever I had a problem with anything, oil change.. anything, I always take it back to the dealer, so they are the only one who has touched my car. <p>So, now the car has been sitting there for 2 weeks, and I have been driving a Toyota rental.. meanwhile they are saying that they can not find the power steering pump in the whole country... they a couple days later I called and asked again for any update, they told me germany does not have it either, and they might be building the part for me....<p>excuse me, but what the hell???? there is not one pump in the whole damn world to be found??? and how many dealer ships are there? not one. <p>it just seems amazing to me.. what do you guys think? also, I am on a lease right now and have to pay nearly 500 dallors a month for my car, but I am not getting that same kind of luxury for 500 dallors that i am paying for. Do you guys think I could write to Audi of Amercia to complaint? if so, what do you think they can do?<p>Kevin

nt<br>

I would be very surprised if there is no power steering pump anywhere. Have you tried calling dealerships yourself looking for the part? If you found it, you could then tell your dealership that you found one someplace, and they can have it shipped to them. In fact, if I have a chance, maybe I'll call a couple Seattle area dealers and ask for you. I'm sure they could put a temporary hold on it. Is that all you need is just the pump? And...Germany probably does have the part or the production line would stop! That is of course, unless the new cars have a different pump. That is a possibility. Maybe they are stalling because they put the wrong fluid in there, and are worried Audi won't pay for it. meanwhile, they are trying to figure out a way to cover up the mistake! <p>Charles<p>PS: If you find a pump, and your dealer doesn't have it shipped and install it properly in your car, call AoA and demand they pay to have your car towed to another dealer. Actually, you should call AoA anyway,a nd make them aware of the situation.<br>

This is rediculous. There seems to be no parts availabel for these A4's. What happens when they are out of production?<p>You tell me that they can not keep 100 A4's worth of parts in the US.....come on Audi.<p>When it come to parts the Japanese have it all over the Germans!<p>I'd call and follow it up with a nasty letter copying the important people. This gets results.<p>

Linda's number at Carlsen Porsche Audi in Palo Alto CA - 650-856-6300<br>Mark Burns number @ Clair Parts Express --1-800-354-5100<p>Either one should be able to give you the straight scoop on the part.<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM