Steering Issues A3: Common Problems & Fixes

Hello,

"Unfortunately, the steering on my A3, manufactured in July 1998, has some play. You can turn the steering wheel about 4-5mm back and forth without anything moving at the wheels or the steering rack."
It's not dramatic, but at high speeds, it's a bit annoying, and you tend to drive in a slightly zigzag pattern.
The parts causing the play are the interlocking square tubes located between the first and second universal joints of the steering shaft in the footwell. These were already replaced once for the same reason, but unfortunately, they only seem to last for about 30,000 km before the steering play becomes noticeable again.
Does anyone else have the same problem and a permanent solution for it?
Otherwise, I would try inserting and securing strips of sheet metal using a feeler gauge.

Best regards, Rainer.

The idea with the "feelers" (presumably referring to a mechanism) was a complete failure; the interlocking square tubes are not separable (at least not in a way that allows you to put them back together like they were before). -> New part.
Can someone tell me if I can already remove the upper steering column joint from the steering shaft by only removing the lower cockpit trim, or is there more work involved?

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello, thanks to Michael II, there is a solution:

For A3 models with a chassis number up to 8L VA 057 549, a split retaining ring can be retrofitted.
Part number 1J0 419 838A.

Unfortunately, the retaining ring doesn't fit me, because apparently the improved version was installed during the first replacement of the steering column. However, it has developed play again, but this time it didn't take 30,000 km, but 80,000 km... Great Audi quality.
The square tubes of the steering column are too thick for the clamping ring, so I will now make one myself.

Best regards, Rainer.

PS: The steering column is a single component and cannot be disassembled.

Hello, where did you get these parts? My Audi dealer doesn't know them and doesn't know anything about such a part. I have another A3 before this FGNr, and I would like to do this because it's really annoying...
And a new pillar would cost me too much (and they don't really last that long anyway).

Hello,

The part number is from an Audi document.
I already bought the clamping ring, but unfortunately it costs 35 euros and doesn't fit properly onto the 'improved' steering column.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello,

The dimensions for the hose clamp and steering shaft provided in the previous post are incorrect (the wrong sheet was used).
Here are the correct dimensions:
- Internal diameter of the clamping ring: 23mm.
- Maximum diameter of the cloverleaf-shaped cross-section of the enhanced steering shaft: 26mm.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello Rainer, I took this as an opportunity to switch dealers because mine really isn't up to it. However, this part is no longer available, as only the improved columns are now being installed. But such a retrofit was possible (and not just this one, but other things my old dealer didn't do either). If this part doesn't fit you anyway, can I buy it from you? Regards, >david<

Hello,

Mine was ordered normally from the Audi Center in Nuremberg and arrived in 2 days... that's strange.
I've adjusted it now, and it works great. The play in the steering is practically gone .

Best regards, Rainer.

Dust bunny...

Is it possible to eliminate the play by assembling this clamping device, or can it only prevent play from occurring on an intact column?

Hello,

Quote:

She has gotten another chance,

"However, it's been completely gone since Monday. It now has 257,000 km on the odometer, and there's no play [in the component]."
It likely also depends on the degree of wear. If the steering wheel is already wobbling significantly, it won't help much, as it will only compress the outer tube of the connection by a few tenths of a millimeter.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello,

I was just trying to get this clip or retaining ring. According to Skoda and VW, it has not been available since 2005.

@Rainer: How wide is the clamping ring? Is it possible to adjust the steering wheel's reach (forward and backward) after it's installed?

@everyone: Does anyone have any ideas where I could find this part? Here's the part number again: 1J0 419 838A.

Regards, mcgregg.