Fluids and oils

[Peter_HMR]

I know for engine oil its quaility is important to preserve the life of the engine but is this the case with other oils and fluid.

I'm looking at replacing

G12 Coolant
Brake Fluid
Steering Fluid

GSF are quoting me prices but not manufactures would I be ok just ordering what ever they give me or should

[snapdragon]

Yes, G12+, DOT4 and CHF202 are the current VW specs for your car and the specs that VW sell.

GSF will probably give you CHF11S steering fluid but that is also fine.

I wouldn't worry too much about brands, unless it's something really spurious.

[Peter_HMR]

Brake Fluid is Carlube
G12 Antifreeze is Vierol
Power Steering Fluid is Febi

[scotty33]

Power steering fluid, just as a warning is not actually power steering fluid in some/most? VAG cars. It is Hydraulic oil.
as I understand it, it used to be mineral based oil to VAG spec G002000, which was superceded by G004000 which I think is a synthetic based product. CHF 11s is equivalent to G002000, probably the CHF202 meets G004000? i don't know.

BUT IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO USE NORMAL PAS FLUID WHERE HYDRAULIC OIL IS REQUIRED. Kills the rack seals and pump

Personally I would avoid G12 antifreeze for G12 ++, there are too many passat leaky radiator stories for the stuff to not be corrosive/corrosion resistant imo..

[Peter_HMR]

Is there much difference between G12 and G12++? one I flush out the system surely it should be fine

[scotty33]

Use Martin 1810's site for the lowdown on antifreeze types:

https://sites.google.com/site/1810martin/antifreeze

When flushing, best to take the thermostat out, this will block you from flushing half of the system otherwise. Located under a 2 bolt flange on the engine block at the other end of the radiator bottom hose. Just don't lose the bolts they are an unusual 7mm thread - ask me how I know...

[snapdragon]

I don't know what was changed between G12, G12+ and G12++. they probably added leak fix due to the chocolate cooling systems VW have used for over a decade .:biglaugh:

I know it's based on one of BASF Glysantin additives.
BASF G30 = VW G12 (pink)
BASF G30-91 E = VW G12+ & G12++ (lilac)
http://worldaccount.basf.com/wa/EU~en_GB/Catalog/Chemicals/pi/BASF/Brand/glysantin/brand_top/