Power steering fluid leak?

[Stavros_Davros]

How many possible places/seals/hoses can the power steering fluid leak from at the pump? I have a few spots of red PSF making their way from under the engine shield at the front right hand side of the car, it looks like the pump is located behind a cover there.

Is it a big job to get at or just top off and ignore until it gets worse?

[Gazwould]

PSF should be green .

[Stavros_Davros]

Hmmm.... this is definitely red and right beneath the pump.

I've never seen green PSF in my entire motoring and working career of 27 years, I was a Vauxhall main dealer mechanic back in the 90's and it was always red, It's my first Audi though so expect a few differences, I'll try and dip the tank and see what it has in it.

[Gazwould]

As far as I know it should be CHF11S .

[Chema.RB]

Are you sure is from the power steering? open the reservior and check. it might be an engine mount split (they are filled with oil)

[FrenchAudi]

Hmmm.... this is definitely red and right beneath the pump.

I've never seen green PSF in my entire motoring and working career of 27 years, I was a Vauxhall main dealer mechanic back in the 90's and it was always red, It's my first Audi though so expect a few differences, I'll try and dip the tank and see what it has in it.

We're never too old to learn

If you have an automatic gearbox it could be fluid from that. It uses Dexron ATF, which is red, and used by many vehicles for their power steering. Audis use Audi/VAG hydraulic oil, which is green, as mentioned.

Of course, someone else with long experience of power steering systems could have filled the system with Dexron without checking the car's specs, which could explain the leak.

[Stavros_Davros]

Are you sure is from the power steering? open the reservior and check. it might be an engine mount split (they are filled with oil)

That's very interesting and another new thing learned - thanks!

Do you think an engine mount going would give a loud bang at speed if it failed? In another thread I posted that during a 70 mph test drive I had a loud bang come from what sounded like the rear of the car or the rear diff but can't find any problem since checking visually, someone suggested it might be a rear coil spring snapped but they're seemingly fine.

The engine does seem to rock the whole car from side to side when its revved when stationary and I get a horrible shaking at 70 - 80 mph although the wheels are all balanced and sorted.

[Chema.RB]

power steering fluid is green and "smells fishy"... XD

[Stavros_Davros]

power steering fluid is green and "smells fishy"... XD

Thanks for the info, the PSF is indeed a browny/green colour and honks like you suggested.

I did the left foot brake/accellerator trick to rock the engine which only moved 20mm max and then got under the covers for a good visual, the mounts were dry as a bone and in fairly good shape.

I pulled the left fog lamp grill off and there it was... some A-Hole had stuffed a rag under the corner of the radiator to stop a leak, it was red anti freeze that had congealed that was weeping out of the engine guard.

Must have been the dealer my brother bought the car from a few years ago because he would never do something so shoddy.

How difficult is it to change a radiator out? It's not a worry yet as it's not losing much but my bro said it would need maybe 200ml topping up per year.

I'll wait til it blows, like my old Zafira - hope it only costs £27 to replace like that did! I wish...