The age old power steering fluid query...

[Simeon]

Right, I have already searched before anyone says anything 

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

[boneybradley]

you need the second one in your link (febi 06161) which is mineral

[Simeon]

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...

[boneybradley]

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)

[Simeon]

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?

[Wayne]

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.

[Simeon]

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

[Wayne]

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.

[Simeon]

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?

[Wayne]

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.