Power steering on a 2000reg Polo

[randombadger]

Hi I'm new to the forum but couldn't find ananswer to my question via the search so thought I'd ask.

First the background:
Girlfriends daughter has just purchased an x reg (2000) 1.0 Polo. This is the 2000-2002 facelift model. It was cheap because it has a few problems, so far I've sorted the gearbox leak by fitting a new seal, next is the power steering leak.

The problem:
Is losing fluid fairly steadily, which means the reservoir needs topping up roughly weekly, steering is working fine but obviously if the fluid gets too low or the leak gets worse it might not...
From under the car it looks like the leak is some metal pipes that have corroded where they meet a junction on the bulkhead in front of the drivers footwell. I've never tackled power steering before so I'm not too familiar with it all at the moment (imminently about to change though!). A bit of searching on the web and a visit to the auto factors (for a different reason) suggests that 'pattern' part replacements aren't commonly found off the shelf and VAG parts are pricey. So the options seem to be visit a scrappy and source a set of parts that are in better condition or get the parts made.

So my question is: Is the power steering setup on this car (polo 1.0) the same as on any other polo's and if so, which? Apparently power steering was just an option on the previous model of 1.0 so might be rare, but will the PS from other engine size 2000-2002 polos fit or the PS from any of the previous model? My main concern is the metal pipes as they seem to be quite complicated in shape and may be different for the various engine options.
There is a reservoir and pipes on ebay from a 1997 1.4, and it would be useful to know if this is compatible.

What sort of cost are we looking at to get the pipes made if it is neccesary, and is it worth it vs. VAG parts?

Grateful for any help or suggestions.

Thanks

[arnoldr]

I've just had my 2001 VW Polo 1.4 SE failed on it's MoT because the "offside and nearside front (leaking fluid, worse on full lock) Steering rack gaiters insecure".

Apparently the garage (A Hyundai dealer) say that the problem is just a case of replacing the gaiter, which secures the rubber collar I think.

I then went to Volkswagen and asked them what would be causing a leak, and they told me it would be a replacement Steering Gear. But obviously this is expensive at £600.

I'm going to let the guy at Hyundai replace the gaiters and see if that'll pass the MoT. Will update you on the outcome.

I think this is a similar problem as I have. The Power Steering fluid is leaking out of the rubber collar and needs to be topped up regularly (bi-weekly). I think the Steering columns are the same on all that age polo's?

[randombadger]

Hi Arnold

After much digging around it was clear that the power steering parts can vary a bit between models. Mine was definetly leaking at the feed and return pipes. I purchased a return pipe secondhand on ebay for about £20 inc postage and fitted it. However the pipe that went right arount the engine bay from pump to rack was different story. I got the correct part no. from VAGCAT and my local dealer and purchased one on ebay (new excess stock) at about £50 only to find the garage selling it had listed the wrong part no. The part was identical in every way except for missing a junction for a screw-in sensor. I did replace the crush washers on the banjo bolt and the leak has been stemmed however the pipe is corroded and will need replacing at some point. This sounds like a different problem to yours.

You can purchase secondhand complete systems on ebay from about £50 upwards, but if my experience of trying to remove the long pipe is anything to go by they are a time consuming job to fit and will involve much headaches if you do yourself or a lot of cash spent at a garage.

[davemidd]

Hi there

My Polo had a leak last week (1.6 cl P reg) it unfortunately has an engine that according to VW should have been in a golf.
The parts were only available through VW and it cost £220 for the piping, not including the 2.5l of steering fluid!!
It was a pain to get hold of them for me, apparently they are a more specialised part. The top one had split and emptied its load onto the bottom one (which was also badly deteriorated) and the wishbone.
Pricey but i was advised by all and sundry not to drive otherwise it would cause a lot mor edamage.

[davemidd]

Fogot to say..

My steering fluid resevoir is on the front of the engine bay, on the right hand side near the the battery.
The 1st set of pipes they sent out, 1 was ok, the other (as it was for the imaginary golf engine) was too short as the resevoir is next to the expansion tank.