What is causing a juddering sound at full lock in cold weather?

I have a 2018 Audi S5 with just less than 50,000 miles. When the weather is cold (6 degrees or less) and I turn steering near full lock I get a juddering noise and the car jumps sideways slightly. Even my main dealer has said this is just one of those things but it sounds like it might damage something. Have you and suggestions on getting rid the noise. It doesn’t do it when the temperature goes up to 10 or so degrees plus

Asked on 7 January 2026 by Mike Loveridge

Answered by David Ross
Particularly on vehicles with four wheel drive, a degree of scrub at the front wheels is not uncommon when at full lock due to the tight tolerances of the suspension and driveshafts, which would also explain why the issue disappears when the vehicle is warm as gaps between components may open up fractionally with the increase in temperature. Wheel alignment may help to reduce or eliminate the effect, but you may wish to avoid applying maximum lock when the vehicle is cold to reduce any potential wear.
Similar questions
I picked up my Mercedes-Benz GLC43 on 9 November following a test drive of the GLC250d in early September and 3 happy years of owning an GL350d. The following day I received a call from my sales adviser...
My Toyota RAV4 came back from having the brake pads changed (local Toyota dealership) with the steering wheel about five degrees off centre. This was corrected by adjusting the tie rods but that has made...
I've recently bought a 2.2 CDTi Honda CR-V on an 09 plate, ES model on standard wheels/ cross contact LX tyres. At speeds over an indicated 70mph there is quite pronounced steering wheel vibration. Whilst...
Related models
High-quality blend of refinement and handling ability. Modern, stylish interior. Strong 2.0 TDI is impressively economical.