Squire

I purchased a used 96 A4 from a non-Audi dealer. The power steering reservoir was/is over filled and some fluid had been spilled outside the reservoir. Obviously, the dealer/auctioneer noticed that it was low and poured in generic PS or AT fluid.

My Question: I read an old archive that said to only put Audi OEM fluid in and that they (author) had 'learned the hardway.' Could someone elaborate on why Audi OEM fluid is necessary?

I have noticed the PS to be sluggish every now and then and It has an unusual 'shutter' feedback into the steering wheel sometimes.

Thanks, guys!

Bob Petruska

Most general power steering fluid is usually ATF (auto trans fluid) based. If some one put the general fluid or ATF fluid in your system....I hate to tell you this but your chances of ruining every seal in the the steering rack and the pump is very high and they will need to be replaced ($$$).

You can purcahse other brands of pure mineral based power steering fluids that will work from good auto parts stores (euro-car places) but the they also cost big bucks per pint so why not buy from Audi?

Just think how many systems are ruined by service at non Audi garages and quick-lube places!

I blame Audi and the like for not putting big warnings on the power steering resevoir cap stating that pure mineral fluid must be used or damage will occur. Also Audi engineers should get real and design their steering systems to use any type of fluid as American cars can operate on without damage.

Maybe a complete purge of the steering fluid will save you....go to an Audi garage for that....It's still going to cost big bucks for them to flush many quarts of fluid through the system to clean it out!

Squire

Thanks, Bob! I will probably flush the system to prolong the (most likely) dieing system.

Tom Serrago

If your steering system is not leaking yet, flushing and replacing with the proper fluid should be all you need to do. If you do it yourself the aftermarket equivalent, Pentosin 11S, is a perfect substitute and much cheaper than G000 2000. Just ask any type 44 owner (5000,100,200 series).

hth and good luck

Tom Serrago

85 5KS Avant
99.5 A4 tqms