Power Steering Fluid leak near steering column

**simagain** · 04-07-2009,10:21 AM

Hi All Newby here. (1998 Audi Cabriolet) I have a problem nothing to do with rack or gaitors it is where the steering column joins the brake master cylinder that I have got the leak but it appears to be a small hole underneath power steering part that attaches brake master cylinder but cant see no way of sealing it can it be to back pressure as I have had a new power steering pump fitted. could there be an air lock or something that is causing this problem as it hasnt happened before? All help apprecited...
Paul.

**abhicary** · 18-07-2009,08:58 PM

Take it to the dealer. You cannot repair it yourself.

**JimSharp39** · 30-07-2009,11:54 AM

Hi,

I had a similar leak from under the brake manifold. Took me a while to figure what it was - it was from a pressure sensor screwed into the brake manifold itself whose washer/seal had failed through time. Resealed it and all was well. It needs a huge socket to remove though...something like 27mm if I remember.
It does seem counterintuitive to believe that there is PS fluid in the brake manifold tree, but once you get through that concept it is an easy fix (if tha's indeed what it is and you have a big enough socket).

Jim

**scotty33** · 17-01-2012,11:41 PM

Originally Posted by JimSharp39

It does seem counterintuitive to believe that there is PS fluid in the brake manifold tree, but once you get through that concept it is an easy fix (if tha's indeed what it is and you have a big enough socket).

Jim

Old thread and sorry to be pedantic. I agree it is fluid shared with the PAS that is found in the brake servo system. But it is hydraulic mineral oil that is used in this system, to use PAS fluid or brake fluid is a big mistake to make. Can cause Steering Rack, pump, pressure accumulator or servo failure, all potentially expensive to replace.
Use hydraulic fluid that meets VAG spec G00 2000 as it says on the reservoir cap, or the newer spec which is G00 4000. Some owners use Citroen LHM, which does not meet these specs but is, (so I'm told) the right type of mineral oil.

**95cabrio** · 18-01-2012,03:18 PM

Scotty33 do you think that this maybe similar to the problem on my cab??

**scotty33** · 18-01-2012,06:44 PM

Not sure which post you refer to, sorry the o.p.'s post makes no sense to me. jim Sharps post is about the pressure switch for the brake hydraulics. If you remove this, the system must be depressurised first. With the engine off, push brake pedal repeatedly until it goes 'hard'. At this point, the stored pressure in the accumulator has been discharged. This procedure returns a volume of oil to the resrvoir, this may overflow? I thought you had identified your leak as being a hose from/to the reservoir?