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Hi all, Im a new member. My 1994 coupe 16v has a pretty bad power steering leak. I had a leak previously and had seals fixed on the PS motor recently. Today driving to college the fluid drained within a couple of minutes. I can't see exactly where the leak is as there is a lot of fluid everywhere but it seems to be directly beneath the brake fluid reservoir and it flowing down onto the exhaust. I refilled with ATF fluid and it drained it again very quickly. I have put in power steering stop leak and left it until i can get a mechanic. I don't have a lot of mechanical experience and don't want to get ripped off as i am in college away from my trusted local mechanic, so any info on this would problem be appreciated. By the way i have the car 3 years and love it, its midnight blue, blue interior, 82,000 mls and almost mint. I worked abroad and only returned recently and been driving it daily now.
cheers
audiall Inexperienced
Joined: Feb 04, 2010
Posts: 32
Posted:
Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:35 am
sounds like you have a problem with the hydraulic brake servo it is part of the brake master cylinder could be the pipework going to the steering rackor to the accumulator(bomb) hopefully,or the servo is done.I am currently breaking my 16v 80 so if you need any parts pm me allan..
jamiecoysh Bandwidth Buster
Joined: Nov 19, 2008
Posts: 680
Location: DEVON
Posted:
Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:57 am
sounds as mentioned that its coming from where the main feed to the steering rack. it would be worth maybe trying to clean around that area to see if its coming from the connector or if the pipe its self is split
if you can assatain the pipe is split then you can take up audiall offer on pipe as a new would be expensive (if they still make them). Or your gona find yourslf driving backwards and forwards to get diagnosed waiting on parts then driving back to garage when you get replacment part
its also a false economy due to constantly wasting PS fluid
wilsy Newbie
Joined: Jan 21, 2012
Posts: 4
Location: Ireland
Posted:
Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:16 pm
Thanks a lot for your help fellas, the leak seems to be coming from the brass nut directly beneth the brake servo, it has two electrical wire connectors into it, in the picture you can see the two connectors. does this mean i need to replace the unit?
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Mikes2 Site Moderator
Joined: Jan 31, 2003
Posts: 8273
Location: Polmont
Posted:
Sun Jan 22, 2012 4:06 pm
you shouldn't be using ATF
G00 4000 hydraulic oil only. It's green in colour which matches the cap on the reservoir.
You'll have to get the system flushed
_________________ Mike
1988 quattro - the 1st UK MB
1991 90 sport quattro 20v
What Mike said, but take care if removing the 'brass nut' it is the pressure switch for the hydraulic brake assist. This system should be pressurised above 116 (i think) bar at all times - even with the engine off!
some info how to dissipate pressure and flush system :
The testing the 'bomb' as in the 2nd link, depressurises the hydraulic brake assist system.
You may see that the fluid referred to in the links is G002 000, this has now been superceded by Audi to G004 000. Halfords sell 'Central Hydraulic Fluid CHF11S which I guess is possibly pentosin rebranded? It meets Audi spec G002 000. You can get Febi brand fluid from GSF Euro car parts etc
_________________ Coupe 20V 1990 X 2
Passat sport tdi 2001 X 2
wilsy Newbie
Joined: Jan 21, 2012
Posts: 4
Location: Ireland
Posted:
Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:58 am
woops! I should have verified the correct fluid before putting it in, although i asked a couple of people previously (my dad included !). well you live and learn i suppose. I'll get onto it and let you know how it goes. thanks again for all the help.
audiall Inexperienced
Joined: Feb 04, 2010
Posts: 32
Posted:
Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:07 pm
hi I have a pressure switch here if you need it,I noticed when removing the switch that it seals with a copper washer maybe thats all you need to replace.If you do need the switch send me your address and will post to you.As for the pressure in the system its stored in the accumulator not the servo and only gets to the servo when you press the brake otherwise the brakes would be on all the time doh.allan...
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wilsy Newbie
Joined: Jan 21, 2012
Posts: 4
Location: Ireland
Posted:
Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:37 pm
nice one allan, i'm getting it into a garage tomorrow and ill be in touch if the pressure switch need replacing. Cheers mate.
scotty33 Got Nothing Better To Do
Joined: Mar 18, 2005
Posts: 1312
Location: Gwent
Posted:
Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:52 pm
audiall wrote:
As for the pressure in the system its stored in the accumulator not the servo and only gets to the servo when you press the brake otherwise the brakes would be on all the time doh.allan...
You are mistaken and the advice you have given is potentially dangerous. The accumulator lives up to its name and stores pressure. The pressure is equal though the whole supply side of the servo i.e from the pump to the accumulator and the pipework to the servo. The servo mounted pressure switch taps into the supply side of the system, and is for monitoring the hydraulic system pressure. It is this switch that triggers the autocheck warning, when you have a hydraulic system fault
_________________ Coupe 20V 1990 X 2
Passat sport tdi 2001 X 2
audiall Inexperienced
Joined: Feb 04, 2010
Posts: 32
Posted:
Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:10 pm
Hi my apologies you have a better knowledge than I on this thanks for correcting my mistake,allan..
Mikes2 Site Moderator
Joined: Jan 31, 2003
Posts: 8273
Location: Polmont
Posted:
Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:31 am
Just to re-iterate Scotty's points.
The pressure (~120 bar) in the system is why ATF cannot be used. It breaks down and froths at these high pressures.
My concern is that the seals may have failed in the rack, pump or servo.
It's very important that the system is purged of all ATF.
It may require several attempts at filling and running up the system and draining to clear the ATF.
_________________ Mike
1988 quattro - the 1st UK MB
1991 90 sport quattro 20v
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I should have verified the correct fluid before putting it in, although i asked a couple of people previously (my dad included !). well you live and learn i suppose. I'll get onto it and let you know how it goes. thanks again for all the help.