chris43230

just got home from a 250 mile drive picking up my new 5000 and turns out its leaking power steering fluids like crazy. looks to be leaking above the tranny and burn on the cat so good amount of smoke. i did have to add power steering fluid before i left and i just used reg fluid, was i suppose to use synthetic or some other **** and caused the leak? also could the rack itself cause that much of a leak?

Pushbutton_auto

Yes, NO and yes.

Audi Goo or stateside the Pentosin CHF range.

The problem was most likely already there so don't blame yourself. Maybe POs had already being using the cheap alternative.

Leak sounds excessive, so FIND the leak and replace whatever it takes, refill with the CORRECT fluid and way u go ! DO NOT MIX CHF 7 & 11.

Check rubber boots to see if they are full of fluid, if they are or you can see it leaking from the rack, then rack replacement is in order. Check archives for all the varibles, also check around the the pump as well and the resovior as it leaks down on to rack then exhaust.

Heaps of archive info in regards to these problems.

cuatrokoop

I believe many people have switched to Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. I am contemplating that as a couple people think what I've experienced was due to the fluid Audi has spec'd. It doesn't deal with heat very well for one...

cuatrokoop

Yes, it is M1 synth ATF. I found an old thread in the 80/90 forum between a couple of us...

ledzepp2994

i talked to an Audi specialist friend of mine who said that putting in ATF would probably burn the pump out much quicker than you want...however this same guy told me it was fine to put in a 4k power steering pump. but that pump doesn't power the breaks.

Kneale Brownson

You want the boosted brake system operational on a car as heavy as the 5k.

Mobil 1 is not the same as power steering fluid. The latter is much thinner and will damage the pump. Lots of Audi folks are using Mobil 1 ATF. Lots more are using Mobil's hydraulic oil. I think it's DTE 13M. When I have a leak, I use Shell Tellus 32T hydraulic oil. I can get that in a 5 gallon pail. Can't get Mobil products around where I live at reasonable cost--have to buy a 55 gallon drum.

cuatrokoop

Er...All of the testing I've seen shows that M1 synth ATF results in cooler running, less cavitation (noise), less debris in the system (metal fragments) when compared to the mineral oil (either type). Also adding a filter is generally a good idea since our systems have filtration only when you fill them in the form of a strainer. Way to go Audi.

ATF was approved for use in hydraulic systems much larger than our measly power steering & brake system. Synthetic ATF is a much better option, as it's properties really do not change over the temperature range. Tellus 32 or AW32 are what is now very widely used in hydraulic systems that are comprised of a pump and motor(s) & valves. Synth ATF is still used almost exclusively in DC power pack systems (IE 12v motor driving a pump with an integrated reservoir) found on snow plows, aerial lifts, etc.

If you get any oil in quantities larger than quarts you really should filter them with a good filtration system. The absolute dirtiest way to buy any fluid is from a 55gal drum. Even the 5gal pail is not a great way to buy, however it is better than the drum...

RussB

I like the idea of adding an in-line filter. Do you know anyone who's done this?

stillinanaudi

After installing a new (used) high pressure hose and doing a rebuild on the pump, I will be using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF to fill the system tomorrow. I read a lot of opinions and haven't yet read an actual problem story with the M1SATF. The boots on my rack are shot, and if there's any chance the M1SATF will 'cure' the seals in there for awhile that's a good thing.

Whether or not, I will have learned from experience.

I'll report my findings.

P.S. Per something I read, I put a magnet in the bottom of my reservoir to catch particles. Any thoughts on this?

cuatrokoop

Yes, a couple B3/B4 guys have. VAP (Mance, Vintage Audi Parts) most notably. He did a write-up on the 80/90 forum back in Feb or March. He also added a strong magnet to help clean out the system. It was ridiculous how much junk came out of it.