Peak Full Synthetic European Power Steering Fluid, Original Equipment Technology, 12 oz (Part No. PKPSFEU12)
In This Article...
On an Audi A4, where is the power steering fluid?
Find your Audi’s power steering reservoir. Ideally, it would be hidden by the driver’s headlamp. Use your fluid pump to suction the old fluid out of the reservoir after opening the reservoir’s cap. When you’re finished, move the hose around to be sure you’ve drained the reservoir’s bottom of all fluid.
In my Audi, can I use standard power steering fluid?
The totally synthetic Audi/VW TL 52 146.01, G 004 000 A2, CHF202 spec is used in all Audi cars manufactured from 2006 onward. Important: Never combine Audi power steering fluid (G002000) or CHF202 with generic power steering fluid or any other fluid (G004000).
What kind of power steering fluid is used by Audi?
The recommended OEM fill for power-steering fluid in Audi power-steering systems is pentosin CHF-11S. Due to its use as the required hydraulic fluid by a number of well-known high-end European heavy equipment manufacturers, the CHF-11S is typically available in NAPA auto parts stores.
What is power steering in an Audi?
Although the transition from conventional (hydraulic) to electric power steering is more subtle for the ordinary driver than, instance, the transition from a gasoline to an electric motor, it is nevertheless a significant advancement in the history of the automobile. Modern vehicles from Hyundai to Porsche use this technology, and some manufacturers, like Infiniti, go even farther by introducing a steer-by-wire system. This is how it all functions.
Hydraulic power steering
This style of steering system was used in the majority of cars sold a few years ago. Pressurized fluid is used by a hydraulic piston attached to the steering gear to aid in turning the wheel. A pump powered by the engine moves the fluid. The pump is always consuming energy, even when the steering wheel is not being used. Depending on how fast the car is travelling, the help may feel different as well.
Electric power steering
An electric power steering (EPS) system uses a tiny, independent motor and torque sensor connected directly to the steering column or gear in place of the piston and pump. The sensor measures the amount of force being applied to the wheel and assists the driver as needed. Less engine energy drag leads to somewhat greater fuel economy, fewer moving parts, and smaller weight, all of which are advantages.
Steer-by-wire
With the introduction of the luxury car Infiniti Q50 a few years ago, Infiniti was the first to sell steer-by-wire. It completely eliminates any mechanical link between the driver and the wheels and is known as Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS). In contrast to EPS, which does away with hydraulics, DAS goes a step further and does away with the conventional steering linkage as well (although there is a mechanical backup system in case the electronics fail), utilizing actuators to turn the wheels directly in its place.
As more and more conventional auto operations are converted to digital forms, steer-by-wire is unquestionably the way of the future. With features like Active Lane Control, where the computer can automatically keep the car in its lane to cope for environmental changes like strong crosswinds or uneven road conditions, DAS is already demonstrating what is possible. It can adapt steering sensation to the user’s choice.
Here is a brief video showing how Active Lane Control works:
Is power steering fluid the same as DOT 4 brake fluid?
You want to fill off the power steering fluid since you’ve observed that it’s becoming low, but the only lubricant you have is brake fluid. Given that both systems rely on hydraulics, what is the drawback of employing brake fluid instead?
Although hydraulic fluids, power steering and brake oil have quite different chemical makes-ups. The power steering pump, master cylinder, and other expensive parts will be harmed if the two fluids are used interchangeably as a result.
We’ll go over the distinctions between power steering fluid and brake fluid, why it’s risky to use the two terms interchangeably, and potential alternatives in an emergency.
What happens if I fill my automobile with the incorrect power steering fluid?
People frequently mix up or use the incorrect fluids in their vehicles, and the repercussions can range from uncomfortable to fatal. In a piece that appears in the November issue of Consumer Reports, the publication discusses the possible harm you can cause to your vehicle or to yourself.
David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut, warned that adding antifreeze to the windshield-washer reservoir may only result in a slimy mess. However, a British health investigation discovered that just using water to fill the reservoir fosters the growth of the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ illness.
Before adding any fluids to their car’s hood, owners should consult their owner’s manual, according to Champion. If someone is unsure, they should consult a mechanic or even the staff at their neighborhood auto parts shop.
Using the incorrect fluids could also result in the following things:
1. Mistakes with motor oil. The viscosity grade of the motor oil (10W-30, for example) is more significant than the brand. Use just what is recommended in the owner’s manual. Shorter engine life and poorer lubrication can result from using the incorrect oil. Use synthetic oil, as directed, if the manual so directs. Contrary to popular belief, mixing synthetic oil with conventional oil won’t damage the engine, but doing so won’t help either.
Battery liquid Some automobile batteries contain replaceable individual cells that may require a little amount of water to cover the lead plates. Use only distilled water, which has no minerals or salts. The internal lead plates of a battery can accumulate minerals from tap water if tap water is added to the electrolyte liquid, which will decrease the battery’s power and shorten its lifespan.
3. Use water sensibly. A mixture of water and antifreeze, formally known as coolant, is used in a car’s cooling system at concentrations (usually 50/50) designed to prevent it from freezing on a cold day and boiling on a hot day. It can become more prone to freezing and boiling if there is too much water added to the mixture. In frigid temperatures, that can prevent the automobile from starting, while in warmer climates, it can lead to overheating. Additionally, using tap water might cause the cooling system’s efficiency to decline due to mineral buildup.
4. Filling the tank of a car with diesel fuel. If the engine starts at all, it will sputter and knock as a result. Thankfully, diesel pumps have big nozzles, making the error difficult to commit. The amount of gasoline poured to a diesel vehicle’s tank could cause only little damage or it could impair the fuel pump, injectors, and other components. A technician can minimize the harm by draining the contaminated fuel if the mix-up is discovered in time. Don’t start the engine in the interim.
5. Brake fluid special sauce. Hydraulic fluid that has been specifically designed for brake systems is used. Since transmission and power steering fluids are comparable to one another, switching them out can harm the system, harm the seals, and possibly result in brake failure. Keep in mind that your car definitely needs brake system service even if the brake fluid is low. Either there is a leak or the brakes are worn out.
Glued-together gears. Only the fluid recommended by the automaker, such as Toyota’s Type T or General Motors’ Dexron series, may be used in automatic gearboxes. Inadequate lubrication, overheating, and possibly transmission failure can result from using the incorrect fluid. Even after flushing the transmission, a mechanic might not be able to undo the damage. Your transmission might also be ruined if you accidentally add motor oil or brake fluid.
7. Additional washer fluid sins. Water doesn’t clean as effectively as washer fluid and is prone to freezing, and it also fosters the growth of harmful bacteria. Ammonia or household glass cleaners can harm a car’s gloss, leave suds on the windshield, enter the air intake system, and potentially create a toxic atmosphere within the cabin.
Consumer Reports is one of the most dependable sources of information and guidance on consumer goods and services, with more than 7 million print and online subscribers. It owns and runs a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut and runs the most thorough auto-test program of any American publication or website. The group’s auto experts have years of experience testing, driving, and reporting on automobiles.
Should I use a certain brand of power steering fluid?
Different kinds of power steering fluid may be needed for different vehicle uses. Some use ATF transmission fluid (e.g., Dexron, Mercon, Type F, ATF+4, etc.), while many contemporary cars use a type of hydraulic fluid with a synthetic base that is designed expressly for power steering application. Low temperature synthetic fluid flow enhances the lubrication and durability of pumps.
For many situations, a “universal” power steering fluid may be adequate, although some cars do need particular additives for corrosion prevention, seal and pump lubricity, and other purposes. A top-off fluid must also fulfill the car manufacturer’s specifications for proper pump lubrication, power steering feel, and assist, and it must be chemically compatible with the PS fluid currently present in the system.
Japanese and European cars frequently have different specifications for power steering fluid. High performance synthetic-based PS fluid that complies with DIN 51 524T3 and ISO 7308 requirements may be necessary for certain applications. Depending on the year, make, and model, different power steering fluid specifications may apply to Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo vehicles. Many of these applications call for a specific Pentosin power steering fluid type out of numerous options. Other Japanese automakers with their own PS fluid requirements include Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota.
The PS reservoir or filler cap should be tagged with the kind of power steering fluid that is recommended for your car. The required PS fluid is also specified in your car’s owner’s manual.
Use the fluid type recommended (or one that complies with OEM specifications) to lower the possibility of incompatibility issues and problems in the future. Power steering pump failure is frequently caused by using the incorrect PS fluid type.
Best Practice: If you are unsure of the sort of PS fluid you should use, wait to add any to the pump reservoir until you do.
What exactly is mineral steering fluid?
The usual response is to consult the owner’s manual for the specific car. As the manufacturer’s own fluid is typically specified in the car manual, this is not particularly helpful.
Because there is no official standard for power steering fluid, manufacturers must develop their own specifications.
As a result, there are many OEM-branded fluids and specs that are nearly identical.
Vegetable oils, mineral oils, or synthetic mineral oils are used to make power steering fluid, which also contains additives to lower friction, defend against corrosion, expand the functioning temperature range, and expand the operating pressure range.
In our experience, power steering fluids can be roughly categorized into three groups: synthetic high performance (central) hydraulic fluids, liquid hydroaulique mineral (LHM), and automatic transmission fluids (ATF) (CHF). The proper fluid should be used in each application, and THEY SHOULD NOT BE MIXED.
Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF)
These are typically red and were created primarily for automatic gearboxes. The volume vehicle manufacturers have used this fluid the most frequently over the years. The main reason for specification revisions throughout the years has been to preserve the fluid’s performance during a prolonged lifetime of operation.
On earlier models, higher-spec fluid can be blended with lower-spec fluid; however, this usually results in higher expenses and no discernible advantages.
It is therefore advisable to choose a high-spec fluid, such as a Synthetic Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid, if you only want to stock one ATF fluid. This fluid is totally compatible with other synthetic and petroleum automatic transmission fluids. In our experience, you should be fine using it in all vehicle makes up to 2002, with the exception of Porsche and Audi.
Central Hydraulic Fluid (CHF)
CHF is made specifically to survive high temperatures and pressures for an extended period of time. It has a light straw color or light green (100,000 miles). They are utilized in central locking systems, traction control systems, convertible top hydraulics, level control/stability control suspension systems, and power steering systems.
All vehicles equipped with EHPS pumps and many vehicles made after 2005 employ CHF in their power steering systems.
Vehicle makers can utilize smaller PAS reservoirs since they can endure higher temperatures, which lowers the weight, volume, and “environmental cost of disposal of waste fluid.” PROBLEMS COULD ARISE FROM USING ATF IN THESE SYSTEMS. When used in systems made to employ CHF, ATF will degrade at the temperatures encountered in those systems. Use CHF or the fluid that the vehicle maker recommends if the original fluid is not red and the vehicle is not an ancient Citroen.
Liquide Hydraulique Mineral(LHM)
For use in Citroen vehicles, LHM is a hydraulic fluid with a mineral base that is environmentally friendly. Citroen designed their suspension, braking, and steering systems to work with a single hydraulic pump that supplied pressure to the suspension system at a pace of about 2250 psi (most power steering systems operate at a maximum pressure of 12501500 psi). The fluid was created to withstand these intense pressures. Use LHM if the vehicle is a Citroen Xantia, XM, CX, or BX; if not, do not use LHM.
How is power steering fluid installed in a 2006 Audi A6?
To Add Power Steering Fluid to an Audi A6 Quattro Base 3.2L V6 (2005-2011), Follow These Steps.
- Find Reservoir Find the reservoir for the power steering fluid.
- Check Level: Check the level of the power steering fluid.
- Determine the type of power steering fluid and add fluid.