Hi there and hope someone in the know can help! As is usual no doubt, I have a problem and done some reading up to see what I've cocked up!
I have an A4 Avant SE on a 'y' plate, which I've had for a couple of years now with no real problems. During that time I've kept the power steering reservoir topped up with oil from Halfords or the like (I know, I know - NOW that it's a problem!!) It has used a bit, but not a great deal.
I have just changed the disks and pads on the car and when sorting the offside front, I noticed that the steering boot was weeping and the area was 'oil damp'.
I've read through a load of posts under searching threads, all of which appear to be related to the A3, which offer a number of points of view.
What I would like to know, or at least get some idea is answers to the following
1. I will obviously start using the mineral oil from here on it to top up the fluid, but I guess the seals may have already suffered. How big a job is it to renew them - if it's possible at all.
2. Is is possible that both pump and rack will need to be replaced? Steering seems to be fine at the moment with no whines or rattles - just concerned that I may have an instant steering problem when I least expect it!
3. If I do need to overhaul/replace - how big a job are we talking? Is is something that can be tackled on a flat surface, or do I need ramps etc?
I didn't want to loosen the steering boot, just in case I made the problem worse - but I do want to get it sorted!!
Thanks in advance guys!
Darren
I have an A4 Avant SE on a 'y' plate, which I've had for a couple of years now with no real problems. During that time I've kept the power steering reservoir topped up with oil from Halfords or the like (I know, I know - NOW that it's a problem!!) It has used a bit, but not a great deal.
I have just changed the disks and pads on the car and when sorting the offside front, I noticed that the steering boot was weeping and the area was 'oil damp'.
I've read through a load of posts under searching threads, all of which appear to be related to the A3, which offer a number of points of view.
What I would like to know, or at least get some idea is answers to the following
1. I will obviously start using the mineral oil from here on it to top up the fluid, but I guess the seals may have already suffered. How big a job is it to renew them - if it's possible at all.
2. Is is possible that both pump and rack will need to be replaced? Steering seems to be fine at the moment with no whines or rattles - just concerned that I may have an instant steering problem when I least expect it!
3. If I do need to overhaul/replace - how big a job are we talking? Is is something that can be tackled on a flat surface, or do I need ramps etc?
I didn't want to loosen the steering boot, just in case I made the problem worse - but I do want to get it sorted!!
Thanks in advance guys!
Darren