What Power Steering Fluid?

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (89GLi)

just for info
u shouldnt be need to top it up if ur low u have a leak...
jsut so ya know cause the fluid is expensive..
only use the dealer stuff, others can damage the pump i hear.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Tbird Pimpistik)

ATX fluid works just fine.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Yetta)

says you
but i once got some non dealer stuff when iw ent to my mechanic he said i could of damaged the pump
they need special fluid
dont say unless ur sure

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Tbird Pimpistik)

Tbird is right, they need a special fluid.. i have a small bottle at home.. Its white with green writing on it.. i think its in German.. I'll check it out later on today and post if no one has come up with the name..
I think it starts with a "Z".... though I cant be sure.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (lyledriver)

Yes, just get it from the stealer. Believe me...the little bit of extra expense (a few $$$) will save you the trouble in the long run of having to replace the WHOLE damn steering rack because it gets trashed from not using the proper fluid. And believe me...that's not an easy job.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Dextrose)

Can someone explain EXACTLY what the difference is between the stealer stuff and "normal" power steering fluid. I just don't buy it. What could VW possibly use in their power steering system that is different than everybody else? Almost all power steering systems are basiclly the same components. What is it supposed to screw up? The pump? Well the pump is just a gear pump like everybody else.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Caleb)

Actually it's the seals that it screws up. I think they're some organic type material that require the specific tye of fluid otherwise the "regular" stuff deteriorates them and they eventually start to leak.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Dextrose)

I may have made a booboo. The ATX fluid is for my MX-6 and I'm supposed to use the other stuff for ye olde Jetta. Although, as far I understand, only my seals on the pump will be damaged by the ATX fluid.
Live and learn.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (89GLi)

If the resevoir cap is red it takes ATF if it's green use the vw stuff.
If the fluid is low it leaks, the steering doesn't use up oil it only leaks, fix it before you change the fluid.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Vdubs)

That is great info. I am glad mine takes ATF. I am actually thinking about flushing it out since mine is pretty black and crappy looking. Can it hurt anything if the fluid is dirty? Currently I have no leaks and the power steering works great. I am kind of scared to flush it because I might cause leaks. What do you guys think about this?

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Caleb)

When the fluid goes black it's contamination from wear in the ps components. Changing the fluid shouldn't cause leaks, but it might increase pressure a little and cause any weakness to show itself. I'd say it's better changed than not if it's black.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Vdubs)

I know technically changing fluid doesn't cause leaks but as with anything hydrolic (SP?) leaks are common and can be caused by a small change. I was worrying that if I change the fluid it might clean any seals that are being stopped up by crap and dirt.

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Vdubs)

Its really really easy to change. On the bottom of your car there is a tube that hits the very bottom accessory pump. This is the power steering pump. Just unscrew that little hose clamp thing and let it all drain out. Then, with the car off, turn the wheel from lock to lock (it will be difficult, I wouldnt suggest doing it on a surface that will eat up your tires either) to get the last little bit out. Reconnect the hose, clamp her down and fill the thing to "Max". Drive down the street turning as much as you can...like lock to lock if you street is big enough. After a couple minutes stop and put more fluid in. Do it one more time and your set.
And Jiffy lube wants $80, they dont try to get the leftover stuff out, and they use the wrong fluid. Riiiigggghhhhtttt....

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (Caleb)

Yah those loser Audi guys (myself included) bitch about this stuff all the time...."Green Gold". Also known as Pentosin, Goo 2000. The part number is G00 2000 so it makes sense Goo 2000...right now my Audi goes through a 1/2 liter in 30 seconds or so...it will destroy the seals all over if you use the wrong stuff

Re: What Power Steering Fluid? (billzcat1)

Is it correct that the green cap means expesive stuff and red cap means ATF? Just wanting to make damn certain before I flush mine out and put in new stuff.