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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Simeon on 07 July 2014, 20:49

Title: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Simeon on 07 July 2014, 20:49
Right, I have already searched before anyone says anything  :tongue:

I have a 1997 mk3 tdi, which (according to receipts) had a new powersteering rack in 2009. The fluid in the system was the red stuff and the rack was peeing fluid, so I just had a horrible weekend changing the rack again.

Searched the web, green cap = green fluid. Got some on the shelf, great, banged it in but was a little short.

Mate went to gsf today for me to get another litre, but while the stuff he bought is green, it is a synthetic oil, whereas the stuff I have used is a mineral oil = me confused.

Can anyone tell me which on I need to be using, really don't want to bugger up another rack. Here are the ones in question.

Mineral - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Febi-Power-Steering-Shock-Absorber-Level-Control-Fluid-Oil-1-L-06162-Bmw-VW-Seat-/310960482748?pt=UK_Vehicle_Oils_Lubricants_Fluids&hash=item4866b069bc

Synthetic - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-1L-POWER-STEERING-FLUID-CHF-11S-HYDRAULIC-OIL-FEBI-BILSTEIN-/250995858521?pt=UK_Vehicle_Oils_Lubricants_Fluids&hash=item3a7084dc59

Thanks in advance :)


Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: boneybradley on 07 July 2014, 21:18
you need the second one in your link (febi 06161) which is mineral
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Simeon on 07 July 2014, 22:18
Hmmmm, damn, I've put 6162 in it.

You say 6161 is mineral, but the bottle says it's synthetic?

My bottle of 6162 says mineral on it...
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: boneybradley on 07 July 2014, 23:16
Hmmmm, damn, I've put 6162 in it.

You say 6161 is mineral, but the bottle says it's synthetic?

My bottle of 6162 says mineral on it...

Sorry your are right 6161 is synthetic and 6162 is mineral, I should check my stock and what it says before I speak! (also recommended is 06161 for the mk3)
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Simeon on 07 July 2014, 23:23
Ah OK, thanks for clearing that up. I'll flush it with 6161 then. Do you know if it will cause any damage running the mineral for a couple of weeks?
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Wayne on 07 July 2014, 23:45
Ah OK, thanks for clearing that up. I'll flush it with 6161 then. Do you know if it will cause any damage running the mineral for a couple of weeks?

Yes it will damage seals etc plus will not mix, drain and flush asap.
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Simeon on 08 July 2014, 00:37
Hmmm, Ok, I've not mixed them, its on the minimum mark on the dipstick. I'll get it changed as soon as possible but gonna be a couple of weeks :(
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Wayne on 08 July 2014, 10:53
Hmmm, Ok, I've not mixed them, its on the minimum mark on the dipstick. I'll get it changed as soon as possible but gonna be a couple of weeks :(

I would not risk it for a few weeks, you will cause damage.
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Simeon on 08 July 2014, 11:27
What are the differences between the mineral and synthetic blends that will cause damage?

I'm interested as it took 4years for the red stuff to do a number on my last rack. From what I understand its all to do with viscosity, the red fluid being thicker thus building greater pressure and popping a seal?
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Wayne on 08 July 2014, 11:57
Being the wrong grade or type of oil means it will not lubricate as it should plus being different types of oil means they will not mix.

Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Simeon on 08 July 2014, 12:25
Fair enough.

Thanks both for your replies.
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: sharki786 on 10 July 2014, 06:35
How do you go about changing the fluid if it is the wrong one? My mate fitted a rack for me but i dont know which fluid we put in. I will double check but if its wrong then whats the best way to flush it out? Also will the colour of the fluid be green or will it just say synthetic fluid on the bottle?
Title: Re: The age old power steering fluid query...
Post by: Simeon on 10 July 2014, 21:27
The fluid is green, but this is true for both the synthetic and mineral.

I'm gonna do this on Saturday morning and my plan is this;

Drain the fluid from the bottle by removing the feed pipe to the pas pump.

Remove the return pipe to the bottle and stick in a tub.

Block the return pipe hole in the bottle (for some reason it's right at the bottom).

Top up bottle with new fluid.

Start engine and get assisstant to turn wheel slowly lock to lock whilst I keep topping up fluid level.

Once flushed through, drain bottle, connect return, top up and bleed as normal :)