Munawirmmg

Hi,
I have a 2011 Cayenne diesel 3.0.
Having some issues with my steering. Whenever driving through standing water or flooding, the steering suddenly becomes stiff as if power steering malfunction but immediately comes back to normal once the flooded area gone pass.

This is not deep flood - no more than one foot deep or kerb height.
Especially when the water gets flooded around corners and as you turn the steering wheel it just stiffened. It seems like there were slight loss of engine power but I'm not sure, but that probably the feel due to the steering losing its power.
It's temporary for about 2 or 3 seconds as you drive through the flooded areas.

Any ideas what could be the fault?

Thank you for your feedback

garrett376

Slipping belt.

Munawirmmg

well, that make sense. Thank you.

deilenberger

Indeed. Had an '87 535i that would do this at every puddle - pump was right at the bottom of the engine compartment with no splash shielding.

Is your underbelly pan missing or damaged? I've gone through some deep crossings with my '11 CTT and never had this happen (perhaps 12-14" deep).. Might also be a sign you're due for a new belt and tensioner.

BTW - welcome to the forum.

twodollardoug

I was wondering if this is intended behavior. The car has acoustic sensors in the wheel wells that tell the car it is going through water. Maybe the steering stiffens up to prevent you from over correcting?

twodollardoug

Another possibility might be the traction control kicking in.

Eskimo1

It has WHAT?! Man this thing is overengineered.

deilenberger

I would have to see some documentation on this. I have the technical introductory manual for the techs when the 958 was released and I can't recall anything about water sensors.

twodollardoug

Ok. I'm talking out of my butt. Wrong car and wrong year. https://www.thedrive.com/news/26105/...-drenched-road

twodollardoug

I still stand by traction control being the culprit.

garrett376

It's from an old belt, or old tensioner, or prolonged periods submerged so the belt slips. This behavior is known, as it's even mentioned in the 957 Cayenne Owners Manual in the Off-Road Driving section.

Munawirmmg

I'm beginning to question this as this never happened before. Now that you mentioned this, prior to this, had an unfortunate incident hitting a stray dog crossing the highway. Poor dog did not survive. The front bumper was intact with only some paint damage. The lower apron was split open and was fixed ( re-attached ) but not so perfect. It split open again later with a small gap. I guess this must be the culprit. Will look into this. Thanks for the head-up.