Johnny G Pipe

Questions like this might soon be a thing of the past when we all have Aufstragnummer 964 gracing our bookshelves..

Anyway - I checked my hydraulic fluid level after reading a recent post about groaning steering, which I get every now and then - and the level looks low. The manual says it needs to be 'between the two marks' or something. I'm assuming these are made up by the strip in the plastic - and so the line on the picture is max?

The picture doesnt show it, but my level is way below the bottom line of the strip.
I just wanted to double check..!

The manual says ATF hydraulic fluid (Dexon) - I guess the motor factors will give me the right stuff with this description, right?

Thanks guys!

John Boggiano

That's right, Johnny.

You've lost a little yellow 'max/min' sticker off the side of the reservoir.

P.S. It should have a cap on it, too.

Johnny G Pipe

Arf!

Thanks John.

DaveK

The groaning steering post was probably mine. I suggest you keep an eye on it now - it's probably low because something leaks. If I was you, I would check the gaiters on the steering rack to see if there are signs of fluid / they are full of oil. If not - check the pipe from the reservoir - it has a sleeve over it so it's not easy to see if it's leaking. But mine is, and apparently it's quite common.

Johnny G Pipe

hmm. Where would I find the steering rack?
Do I need a ramp?

DaveK

No - you can reach under the car. Basically - it runs between the wheels. If you look up about 1 foot inside each front wheel, you will see some rubber gaiters. Check around them for leaks / whether they are filled with fluid. Hope they aren't - expensive to replace the rack (trust me, I know...)

Ade - C4 91

Hi Johnny,

That fluid looks brown which is an indication that it's contaminated (dirt/water), it should be red. It would be worth getting the fluid flushed/replaced and also checking the seals on the steering rack.

Ade.

Johnny G Pipe

Dave K, thanks, I'll have a snoop. I havent noticed any drips under there.

Ade you read my mind, you observant chap - I bought some Castrol ATF DIII (on the advice of the wee card in Halfords - ahem) and yes it is red, and no the stuff in my reservoir ain't!! Its kind of like two day old coffee in there.

Is this a DIY job? In fact, I think I'll throw up a separate thread..