power steering fluid
01-20-2008, 11:58 AM
#1
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power steering fluid
Trying to find the power steering fluid type for my 2001 A6 4.2.
I have a slow leak somewhere and I need to add fluid. I've found Pentosin brand power steering fluid, but are there any other choices, that could be picked up at a local parts store?
Thanks in advance.
I have a slow leak somewhere and I need to add fluid. I've found Pentosin brand power steering fluid, but are there any other choices, that could be picked up at a local parts store?
Thanks in advance.
01-20-2008, 01:38 PM
#3
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Oh, I don't know about your no alt. declaration. I've been using generic tractor hydraulic fluid...
in all of my Audis for the past 15 years. Nothing sacrosanct about Audi hydraulics. If the generics will work well in the 44 chassis, the highest pressure Audi system, all the others are a piece of cake.
01-21-2008, 06:17 AM
#6
Yeah - I hear you. I have purchased the Febi-Bilstein stuff and realize that it's just hydraulic
fluid and nothing special. But if someone is asking a basic question, I would give a basic answer to not lead him astray. Had he asked for alternative brands of hydraulic fluid, my answer would have been quite different. I've seen people at Advance and Autozone putting the Prestone PS fluid crap into an Audi, and the last time I said something to someone I was rudely told to mind my own business. RTFM is always a correct answer as well, but I was trying to help and not confuse.
If someone asks about what gasoline to use, I wouldn't immediately jump into mixing the T-sauce at home, but that's what I do...just trying to start out with the basics. ;^D
If someone asks about what gasoline to use, I wouldn't immediately jump into mixing the T-sauce at home, but that's what I do...just trying to start out with the basics. ;^D
01-21-2008, 06:19 AM
#7
So in light of the other answers, YES - there are other brands, but they must meet the Audi specs...
what are the Audi specs? G002, IIRC - but you can't go wrong with the Pentosin stuff and I haven't seen any other good alternative choices that are commonly stocked by your Autoxone type places and readily verified to be OK without delving into the specs. Napa would likely have something if you tell them the application. Stay away from generic PS fluid stuff unless it says it meets VW/Audi specs on the bottle!
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01-21-2008, 06:24 AM
#8
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The febi Belstein S6161 that I used isn't "just hydraulic fluid"...
I looked into it before I used it. It is intended as a direct substitute for the Pentosin CH11S.
But I also haven't seen it marketed lately.
Stephen
But I also haven't seen it marketed lately.
Stephen
01-21-2008, 06:28 AM
#9
I know - I bought it from one of the web based parts places. Maybe Autohaus AZ or (gulp) ECS. Used
it to flush the Passat's PS system and it works great for less $ than the CH11S. Of course, I bought the actual CH11S for the S4. Ha!
01-21-2008, 06:33 AM
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I cannot find any on-line info for it from Febi anymore....
But at the time, I remember looking up the specs. The big difference was its temperature range. S6161 and CH11S had a wider temperature range than the other fluids. So I think the real risk in running something else would be problems with viscosity at very low temperatures. Ergo, most could probably get away with it without damage.
Stephen
Stephen