Steering Column Repair: steering rack on 91 Audi, mr lacey, porsche shop

Question
Hello Mr. Lacey,

Just wanted a second opinion on something. I have my '91 Audi Coupe Quattro (just over 100k miles) looked over by a couple of local mechanics at their small Audi/Porsche shop. They are very reliable and it is not usual that I second guess them, but it is just perhaps to gain some more understanding of what is going on...

Lately I have been experiencing a 'whining' noise when turning left or right, and it seems to be more noticeable the colder the weather. I cannot say if there is more resistance, but certainly the sound magnifies the sensation of turning.

I brought it in one recent morning to these guys and the mechanics said the sound is caused from the steering rack, and that "unless I have $1000 burning a hole in my pocket" not to worry about it too much unless it gets really annoying.

While I appreciate them letting them keep my $1000, does this sound right to you, that is are whining steering rack noises not indicative of something amiss, something wearing that may just go out some day?  What causes this sound?  Again, they insisted not to worry - but it is loud enough now that I have found the need to explain to passengers like my wife or folks at work what the strange noise is. One mechanic even said, though not as loud as mine, his wife's '89 Audi has had a steering rack noise ever since it was new!

Thanks for your expert advice in advance,
Tom

Answer
hello tom

you dont have to worry about it audi have ben know for a long time to have stiff racks and is why you here this noise
you can put a thin coat of oil on the shafts where they turn in and out then the noise will go away for about a month and you will have to do it again. this rack is proulbly in good shape yet so dont worry pete