Power Steering Fluid

[riverratmike]

What are all ya using for power steering fluid? I took the cap off mine tonight and smelled just like brake fluid inside of it. It's working fine but was just wondering what type of fluid is should have.

[savethebluths.org]

Its usually the same thing but im not 100% sure.

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by savethebluths.org

Its usually the same thing but im not 100% sure.

No no no NO! Power steering fluid IS NOT brake fluid!

You need this...regular power steering fluid that you buy at an auto parts store will not work:
PENTOSIN Power Steering Fluid CHF 11S (Compatible w/ VW ® / Audi ® G00-400-0M2 / G004000M2)

[riverratmike]

well sure smells like brake fluid to me. I'll syfein it out and get some of the correct fluid in there. Thanks for the responce.

[Benderbeetle Rodrigues]

I didn't find anything in the owner's manual and my Haynes book just says "VW hydraulic fluid". Thanks for the recommendation. I'll be picking up a can and replacing the fluid (likely 10 year old sludge).

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by riverratmike

well sure smells like brake fluid to me. I'll syfein it out and get some of the correct fluid in there. Thanks for the responce.

Please tell me you didn't actually put brake fluid in there!

And just so we are clear...you are checking the power steering reservoir with the green cap that is attached to the battery box correct?

[riverratmike]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

Please tell me you didn't actually put brake fluid in there!

And just so we are clear...you are checking the power steering reservoir with the green cap that is attached to the battery box correct?

Yes green cap resevoir next to the battery box.
Someone else that owned the car before me must have put brake fluid in the power steering resevoir. I swear it smells and looks just like brake fluid. I have the correct power steering fluid on order and will suck out all the old stuff and use the correct fluid. No problems as of yet. The power steering still works great.

[ButtonsAmy]

Just a note: I brough mine into a VW Dealership and they filled my power steering fluid back up for FREE. Yipee VW and cute mechanic guys!

[savethebluths.org]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

No no no NO! Power steering fluid IS NOT brake fluid!

You need this...regular power steering fluid that you buy at an auto parts store will not work:
PENTOSIN Power Steering Fluid CHF 11S (Compatible w/ VW ® / Audi ® G00-400-0M2 / G004000M2)

Ive never refilled it on my beetle but on my other 2 cars they use brake fluid in the master cylinder.

[Benny Beetle]

Ok, so what if in reading this you KNOW someone DID put brake fluid in there? (No, it wasn't me, but a friend was trying to be helpful when he did my brakes).

[riverratmike]

I was able to suck the fluid out with a manual oil pump that I have. It got most of the brake fluid out of the resevore

[Franco2112]

Genuine VW/Audi power steer fluid reads, "Oil For Hydraulic Systems And Power Assisted Steering G 002 000.

[Benny Beetle]

Thanks, I am aware of VW/Audi fluid, that is what was used, but I was hoping someone might know what the repercussion might be as I know that it did get mixed by someone with good intentions.

Well, that ounce or two of brake fluid will have to stay in my power steering for another couple weeks until I have more money to have that taken care of, hope there won't be more serious problems. I just spent $300 on the cv boot a couple days ago (and a couple weeks before that the brakes, that's when the fluid was added). My 27 point inspection mentioned needing to do $200 worth of something else with a gasket and something with fluids for trans/power steering (don't recall the exact wording on that pre-printed form). Need the 75k oil done too, NOW, but that will be done then, I'll just drive with a heavier foot since I know I'll "use" oil and then add more fresh until then.

[Franco2112]

Originally Posted by Benny Beetle

Thanks, I am aware of VW/Audi fluid, that is what was used, but I was hoping someone might know what the repercussion might be as I know that it did get mixed by someone with good intentions.

Well, that ounce or two of brake fluid will have to stay in my power steering for another couple weeks until I have more money to have that taken care of, hope there won't be more serious problems. I just spent $300 on the cv boot a couple days ago (and a couple weeks before that the brakes, that's when the fluid was added). My 27 point inspection mentioned needing to do $200 worth of something else with a gasket and something with fluids for trans/power steering (don't recall the exact wording on that pre-printed form). Need the 75k oil done too, NOW, but that will be done then, I'll just drive with a heavier foot since I know I'll "use" oil and then add more fresh until then.

If you're not having any issues with your power steering pump I wouldn't worry about the remaining brake fluid in it. The main issue is that you now have the correct fluid in. Their is no time table on power steering pump failure so just keep driving it until it fails. Maybe never!

[Benny Beetle]

Originally Posted by Franco2112

If you're not having any issues with your power steering pump I wouldn't worry about the remaining brake fluid in it. The main issue is that you now have the correct fluid in. Their is no time table on power steering pump failure so just keep driving it until it fails. Maybe never!

Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear. (actually, the brake/power steering fluid are still both in there, have been for a few weeks and will be there for a couple weeks more, until I can get it serviced again).