Xiety

Car: 1999.5 A4 1.8TQM

Last August, I realized my car's steering was acting weird. It was pretty hard to turn the steering wheel, and it sounded weird. So I checked the Power Steering Fluid level, and it was pretty low. MY POST GETS PRETTY STUPID FROM NOW ON, BUT PLEASE KEEP READING.SO I thought Audis just used regular power steering fluid. Didn't even check the manual So I just went to Walmart and bought some Valvoline power steering fluid... poured it in... everything seemed fine. SO I was happy, and I was hoping it may even stop the leak. Then I found out it was still leaking, leaking bad, I had to add more every week. So this went like this for a couple weeks... I think I used Valvolien power steering fluid for 5 times to fill it up... then I got sick of it and took my car to a mechanic. He said the hose from the pump to the resorvoir was cracked, got that replaced and everythign seemed fine for a while. Now it sucks though, it's really hard to turn the steering wheel. I mean I can turn it all the way around, but it just takes more effort then usual. It basically acts like a regular steering wheel, not power steering. What can be broken? I really need help. Is is the pump, resorvoir or what that might cause this. I know I am pretty stupid for not reading the manual but I guess we all make mistakes so I forgive myself And whatever might be causing this, how much of an estimate should I expect? THanks a lot!

iNfiNkC

sounds like your pumps shot

euromotorsports

My power steering fluid was low also I have put the exact same thing in my car. No problems yet, I wish I put the OEM power steering fluid in, i'm not sure if the Valvoline Power steering fluid is hurting the car or anything. If it is imma flush and put the OEm stuff in

Xiety

My steering wasn't bad at all for a couple weeks after I began putting the OEM PS fluid but now it's crapping on me

Parts+Labor= $1000! can i get any thing cheaper than this?

por911

Went through this same thing with our MY 00 2.8 30v, the rack went at 50k. Pump was fine and still is at 57k, thank god. I actually flush the P/S fluid when I change the oil(ie Pentosin 11S). Our rack had the same sort of binding when it started to go(morning disease). A rebiult unit was about $800, new $2 or 3k.