Power Steering problem

[AndyADH]

Sorry but I thought this was the best fit for technical help. Sorry if its the wrong forum

I have a 1999 VW Passat 2.8 V6 and over the weekend the power steering oil cooler line, rubbed a small hole in it which led to the power steering fluid leaking over the drive.

I repaired the part by using 3/8 oil cooler pipe, and ensured that there was enough pipe to prevent it from crimping up.

Anyway once I had repaired the pipe, I took it for a drive and everything seemed ok, until when coming to a stop the steering became heavy. However as soon as I press the accelerator the power steering returns.

This is very annoying and I was wondering where the problem lies, can anyone offer any advice?

Do I need to bleed the system? or could it be the power steering pump?

Thanks

Andy

[richies2.0gl]

Jack the front wheels up and turn steering lock to lock. You should hear the air being bled out of the system. Once the system runs quietly (usually after 2-3mins) the system should be bled. Hope this helps you.

[AndyADH]

I did that and the system is running quietly.

But now when coming to a stop, the steering gets very heavy, but as soon as I touch the accelerator the power steering returns.

Any ideas?

[richies2.0gl]

Please dont take me the wrong way, but did you use the correct oil? Should be red in colour,same as ATF fluid. Sounds to me like a restriction or maybe a weak pump otherwise, but cant understand if it was OK before? I am a bit stumped really, would be better if I could see the car.

[tr7v8]

AFAIK Passats don't use ATF, at least the 2000 1.8T doesn't, we ended up buying it from a VW dealer.

Edited by tr7v8 on Tuesday 14th April 22:10

[richies2.0gl]

Well that could well be the problem then. I was unaware that VW used different oil in PAS.

[AndyADH]

I just put regular power steering fluid in it.

[thong]

richies2.0gl said:

Well that could well be the problem then. I was unaware that VW used different oil in PAS.

v/w use mineral oil its green stuff for PAS, not ATF.

[AndyADH]

Thank you for the advice, I will check into the different fluids available. Its difficult here in the US as no one appears to know much about European cars except main dealers, and they are usually just trying to rob you blind.

The problem seems to have sorted itself out though and is not as noticable, so maybe its fixed itself.

I will still try and change the fluid out once I source some.

Thank you again for your advice

Andy

[Simon Says]

thong said:

richies2.0gl said:

Well that could well be the problem then. I was unaware that VW used different oil in PAS.

v/w use mineral oil its green stuff for PAS, not ATF.

Available from VAG dealers,http://www.eurocarparts.com/ or http://www.gsfcarparts.com/