paulpas

I have a 2001 A6 that has a constant power steering fluid leaks. I just had a shop check out the power steering rack and all of the lines and there is no indication of a leak at all. My reservoir will go from filled to the top to empty in as little as three hundred miles. Where could this fluid be going?

The only thing worth mentioning is that the low pressure return to the reservoir is made out of radiator tubing, I will need to get that replaced since the mineral oil can degrade that line.

Thanks

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Chances are the stuff is squirting out on the road. But the UV light will show it.

paulpas

I may have found some fluid dripping out the passenger side front end of the engine compartment. What's in that area?

It's been raining and my driveway is mud so my options to investigate are limited at the moment.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

And of course there is the possibility of a steering rack leak at the passenger side of the steering rack. This is why a leak detector fluid and a UV light is a good thing. All you'd have to do is pour the leak detector fluid in, let the engine run for five minutes, work the steering wheel lock to lock, remove the belly pan, and chances you'd see the leak quickly with that big of a leak. You might not even have to remove the belly pan...just look at the tie rod ends and follow them back to the steering rack/bellows.

Only cure for the rack leak is to replace the rack, unfortunately.