WTF is power steering fluid...and why is it empty?????

[Fazda]

If you have a manual, just double check HOW you must check the level. Some cars need the engine to be warm and the engine running whilst you check it, otherwise you could end up with a false reading

 

[SilverNodashi]

So, yesterday I was filling up with petrol and the guy asked if he can check my oil and water. I say sure. 2 Minutes later he comes back to my window with a little "doppie with a mini dip stick thingy underneath it and says my power sterring liquid is finished and klaar! WTF is that? I always thought it is little fairies and elves inside my steering coloum that helps turn so easily!

And my car was at VW about a month ago for its service and they did not say anything. I have not noticed a reduction in my power steering either.

1. Should I take the car back to VW for them to make sure?
2. Can it cause damage to my precious little Mavis (she is old and fragile)
3. Is it expensive to get this liquid they talking about?

Whatcha guys think? I know buggerall about cars so your input would be greatly appreciated.

PS: All my lesbian friends were out of reach so hence I am posting here

Steering fluid helps ease the power steering. You don't need it, per say, but the power steering will seize up and your steering will become more difficult. Goto Midas and get a small bottle, I think they're about R30 or so and put some in, upto the line marked MAX. If you're too scared todo this yourself then I'm sure you could pay VW about R300 or so todo it for you. Or pay the petrol attendant R20 todo if for you.

If you still have the car's manual (which is normally in the cabby-hole) then it'll show you where / how todo this yourself

 

[Ockie]

which is normally in the cabby-hole)

What is a cabby-hole and what liquid/lube must I put in there? - kidding

Already did it. A friend of mine got me the Autozone transmission and power steering liquid.....it was PINK! YAY! and we put it in on Saterday. Was easy peasy. The little resovoir thingy was really empty. Could see a hint of a bit of liquid at the bottom but only barly. Used almost a whole bottle and filled it up. Have just a teensy little bit left for if I need it again. Going to check it when I get home to see if the level is still the same. Gonna monitor it for the next two weeks to make sure it aint leaking lube all over the place

 

[AvatarS]

2.21 JiggaWatts

You clearly need to watch that movie again.

 

[SilverNodashi]

What is a cabby-hole and what liquid/lube must I put in there? - kidding

Already did it. A friend of mine got me the Autozone transmission and power steering liquid.....it was PINK! YAY! and we put it in on Saterday. Was easy peasy. The little resovoir thingy was really empty. Could see a hint of a bit of liquid at the bottom but only barly. Used almost a whole bottle and filled it up. Have just a teensy little bit left for if I need it again. Going to check it when I get home to see if the level is still the same. Gonna monitor it for the next two weeks to make sure it aint leaking lube all over the place

congrats! Now you know how todo it in future. Depending on how you look at it, you just made yourself R350 profit, if that's what the mechanic would have charged todo it for you.

You car shouldn't really use steering fluid like oil. In fact, I haven't topped up my Polo's on 295,000 KM yet. But, if it does then it normally means a broken seal, either on or close to the reservoir or on the steering-rack itself. This is more tricky to replace though and might be worth the mechanic's fees.

 

[Fazda]

congrats! Now you know how todo it in future. Depending on how you look at it, you just made yourself R350 profit, if that's what the mechanic would have charged todo it for you.

You car shouldn't really use steering fluid like oil. In fact, I haven't topped up my Polo's on 295,000 KM yet. But, if it does then it normally means a broken seal, either on or close to the reservoir or on the steering-rack itself. This is more tricky to replace though and might be worth the mechanic's fees.

Come on...we all know it depends how cute the mechanic is as to whether the fees count or not..

 

[kubuntu_lnx]

congrats! Now you know how todo it in future. Depending on how you look at it, you just made yourself R350 profit, if that's what the mechanic would have charged todo it for you.

You car shouldn't really use steering fluid like oil. In fact, I haven't topped up my Polo's on 295,000 KM yet. But, if it does then it normally means a broken seal, either on or close to the reservoir or on the steering-rack itself. This is more tricky to replace though and might be worth the mechanic's fees.

+1 or keep driving with it empty new steering racks only cost between R10k and R25k