Power Steering Fluid & ATF Fluid = The Same?

[IMI]

I have 2000 New Beetle, with 175 Kms on it. Today at service, i had a low level of Power Steering Fluid, I was asked to top it up since there were no leaks. I went to a shop and the they offered me VW ATF Fluid with G052 162 A2, where as Bently Manual recommends only a G 002 000.

The fool at the workshop assured me both the oils are same. But I guess what I need a Hydraulic oil for power steering. My mechanic says Power Steering oil is green in color and that the ATF oil is Yellow in the color. The oil in reservoir is Yellow as well.

I am confused. Can I use ATF oil for Power Steering Oil ? I dont want any damage.

Thanks Guys

[Smileybug]

Power steering fluid and automatic trans fluid are two different things AFAIK. Use power steering fluid for your power steering system and atf for your trans.

[nitroman]

Yeah the PS fluid is different. Also you need CHF11S fluid, don't just buy anything off the shelf. Check out this post by Janitz, he also explains what he saw when he put the wrong fluid in:

Clicking Upon Acceleration & Power Steering Fluid

And yes the Pentosin CHF11S fluid is green in color. I just flushed mine last month cuz I also accidentally put in the Prestone stuff (that was before I read the other thread).

[IndyTom]

This is the stuff you need:

Volkswagen New Beetle 1.8T > Search > Power Steering Fluid > ES#258761 Hydraulic / Power Steering Fluid - G004000M2

In the early days of cars they actually did use ATF fluid for the power steering pumps. But with the ever changing requirements of the modern automobile each fluid has it's purpose. So NO, you shouldn't be using VW G052 ATF fluid in youir power steering pump. Perhaps your mechanic just wanted to unload some of that old crap. Nobody even uses the G052 anymore. There is G060 and now the new and improved G070 ATF fluid for VW's suckomatic transmissions. They are all composed of a different formula and I wouldn't put either of them in my Power Steering reservoir.

Besides the OEM VW stuff you can also use these compatible fluids:
OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning