ju1ce93

Car: 2004 Audi A4 Avant

I noticed the PS was low. I didn't pay attention to that fact it used mineral oil...

I also didnt pay attention to what I was buying to top it off!

I poured Brake Fluid in the resevoir. I realized what I did, and had not started the car yet.

So, I used a shop vac, and sucked out all the fluid, and refilled it with some normal synthetic steering fluid.

I did additional research, and hear stories that not using mineral oil can damage.

I noticed a rubbing noise in the column 2 weeks later.

I am nervous I have caused damage. I just purchased mineral oil, and will do a proper flush on the system.

Can damage really be caused quickly by not using Mineral PS fluid?

mullardel34

The Audi power-steering system MUST use Pentosin CHF 11S, a mineral-based power-steering fluid. Anything else in the power-steering system can very quickly degrade and damage the rack and power-steering pump. Don't waste any time flushing your power-steering system and filling it with the proper fluid; the power-steering system you save might be your own... ;-)

uberwgn

Use of the wrong fluids causes seal damage in short order. Good luck!

ju1ce

...but I don't understand how it can "eat the seals".

Its just Hydroaulic fluid.

The fluid that was in there before was brown...the fluid I put in was clear.

ju1ce

FYI, this is what I just bought, to flush then refill.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...uid/ES1306675/

(I got 3 bottles)

uberwgn

Well, whether we like it or not, VW/Audi has highly specific fluid requirements throughout the vehicle and they've proven to offer exceptional long-term service.

I'm not sure why you'd make the assumption that all hydraulic fluids are the same and that all hydraulic fluids are compatible with your PS rack. People who have gone down this path before have encountered very expen$ive repairs