Power Steering Advice

[DCooksey]

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

 

[AndyMac]

Personally I'd just keep topping it up. You're looking at about £400 for a new rack (recon exchange) and it's 7 hours labour at a VAG specialist, so a real pig of a job.
Mine had to be done as it was literally pouring out, masses of smoke coming off the brake discs/exhaust etc
You might find it doesn't necessarily get worse.

 

[enda1]

If you want the procedure to change the rack send me a pm with an email address and I'll get it from elsawin for you

 

[DCooksey]

Thanks for that Andy - will keep topped up in the meantime and look into replacement for when it goes - any idea on replacing bushes and seals??

Enda1 - you have a pm!

Cheers

Darren

 

[macattax]

Hi Enda.
Welcome to the forum nice to have another irish man here.
Would it be possible to get a cd of elsawin of you?

 

[enda1]

I use version 3.3 that I bought of ebay, forget who I bought it of. I could copy them for you but not sure if this will work.

 

[macattax]

LOL sorry it was late last night and I thought it was your 1st post now I see that I was looking at how amny times you were thanked.
So is there some sort of security on the cd?

 

[enda1]

I've no idea but if pm me with your address i'll give it a try, only thing is it'll be next week before i get a chance to try it, I'm heading back up home to Derry for the weekend so will be without computer and internet etc.

 

[DCooksey]

Info received with thanks Enda - Cheers mate!!

Darren