Power steering fluid leak - where is the leak?
#1
Power steering fluid leak - where is the leak?
Power steering fluid was very low on our 1998 A4 1.8T quattro manual.
Filled up the CHF 7.1.
Son reports fluid is low again (say: 2 weeks, less than 500 miles).
I currently don't have the car here, but want to prepare for the fix.
What are the 'typical' parts/locations where leaks occur on the AEB engine?
- pump?
- connections/lines at reservoir, pump, steering rack?
- rack itself?
Whats the best way to locate the source of the leak?
If steering rack (haven't done one yet): any good write up how to fix or change?
Filled up the CHF 7.1.
Son reports fluid is low again (say: 2 weeks, less than 500 miles).
I currently don't have the car here, but want to prepare for the fix.
What are the 'typical' parts/locations where leaks occur on the AEB engine?
- pump?
- connections/lines at reservoir, pump, steering rack?
- rack itself?
Whats the best way to locate the source of the leak?
If steering rack (haven't done one yet): any good write up how to fix or change?
#2
Power steering fluid was very low on our 1998 A4 1.8T quattro manual.
Filled up the CHF 7.1.
Son reports fluid is low again (say: 2 weeks, less than 500 miles).
I currently don't have the car here, but want to prepare for the fix.
What are the 'typical' parts/locations where leaks occur on the AEB engine?
- pump?
- connections/lines at reservoir, pump, steering rack?
- rack itself?
Whats the best way to locate the source of the leak?
If steering rack (haven't done one yet): any good write up how to fix or change?
Filled up the CHF 7.1.
Son reports fluid is low again (say: 2 weeks, less than 500 miles).
I currently don't have the car here, but want to prepare for the fix.
What are the 'typical' parts/locations where leaks occur on the AEB engine?
- pump?
- connections/lines at reservoir, pump, steering rack?
- rack itself?
Whats the best way to locate the source of the leak?
If steering rack (haven't done one yet): any good write up how to fix or change?
If the rack needs replacement it is a PITA!
BTW , the proper fluid for your power steering system is CHF11s
Last edited by M5S5; 02-24-2012 at 10:48 AM.
#3
Plenty of possible leak points. Even where the hose is pressed on.
Fluid container with mounting parts, hoses. Fits: Audi | Jim Ellis Audi Parts
Fluid container with mounting parts, hoses. Fits: Audi | Jim Ellis Audi Parts
#4
As an example of what cincyTT said, I had two separate leaks in my power steering system not too long ago. First one was a pinhole leak in one of the hoses itself, which I immediately replaced. That fixed the problem for a few weeks until I noticed a much worse leak. After a very brief search (engine running, having an assistant turnining the wheel lock to lock) I found the seal for the PS pump pulley was spraying fluid all over the place. Since no one sells the seal itself I had to replace the whole pump. Haven't had a problem since though.
#5
As noted above, check the inner tie rod boots. If they're leaking fluid, your rack seals are shot and you'll need a rack. It's a pain in the *** due to inconvenience but technically it's a straightforward job. Look in the DIY subforum - I put up a DIY procedure after a rack replacement that i did awhile back. It will walk you through the process. Read through it to get a worst-case scenario of what you might be in for.
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