Compare Audi A1 steering rack repair quotes from specialist garages

Since it was founded in 1909, Audi has been at the forefront of automotive innovation. It was the first to conduct crash tests, one of the first to use a dual-clutch gearbox, and in 1921, became the first German manufacturer to make a production car, the Audi Type K, with left-hand drive.

Impressively, Audi is also the most successful carmaker in the history of the World Car Awards, winning 11 titles since 2005 and five World Performance Car Awards as of 2022. Find out whether Audis are expensive to repair in this guide or take a look at how their maintenance costs compare with SEAT and Skoda.

Rack and pinion steering relies on a gear set to convert the turning movement of the steering wheel into the motion required to turn the wheels. When this system is combined with power steering, the configuration changes slightly to include a cylinder with a piston in the middle.

Check out this guide for a detailed explanation of how your a car's steering system works.

The three top reasons for a steering rack repair or replacement are cracked rubber lines and hoses, loose connections, and failed seals between the steering column and rack and pinion.

Common signs of a problem include:

• Leaking power steering fluid
• Loose or inconsistent steering
• Vibrating steering wheel
• Wheels not returning to the centre
• Instability on the motorway