Power steering fluid leak question
#1
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Power steering fluid leak question
Hi all.
I am looking at purchasing a 2001 A6 and the owner says that it has a significant power steering leak. It loses the fluid in about 20 minutes. He doesn't know where it's coming from and hasn't had it checked out.
My question is... Without more details, can you guys give me the worst case scenario in terms of cost and hassle? It's an avant Quattro...FWIW.
Thanks so much!
I am looking at purchasing a 2001 A6 and the owner says that it has a significant power steering leak. It loses the fluid in about 20 minutes. He doesn't know where it's coming from and hasn't had it checked out.
My question is... Without more details, can you guys give me the worst case scenario in terms of cost and hassle? It's an avant Quattro...FWIW.
Thanks so much!
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Hi all.
I am looking at purchasing a 2001 A6 and the owner says that it has a significant power steering leak. It loses the fluid in about 20 minutes. He doesn't know where it's coming from and hasn't had it checked out.
My question is... Without more details, can you guys give me the worst case scenario in terms of cost and hassle? It's an avant Quattro...FWIW.
Thanks so much!
I am looking at purchasing a 2001 A6 and the owner says that it has a significant power steering leak. It loses the fluid in about 20 minutes. He doesn't know where it's coming from and hasn't had it checked out.
My question is... Without more details, can you guys give me the worst case scenario in terms of cost and hassle? It's an avant Quattro...FWIW.
Thanks so much!
#3
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Thanks for the info. Just to clarify....you mentioned it's a $1k job at the dealer but that a rack is $350 - 1500...is the $1k just labor and it might be an additional $1500 on top of that for a rack?
Anything I can check relatively easily to diagnose it? I'm a bit of a hack mechanic, just FYI!
Anything I can check relatively easily to diagnose it? I'm a bit of a hack mechanic, just FYI!
#4
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Thanks for the info. Just to clarify....you mentioned it's a $1k job at the dealer but that a rack is $350 - 1500...is the $1k just labor and it might be an additional $1500 on top of that for a rack?
Anything I can check relatively easily to diagnose it? I'm a bit of a hack mechanic, just FYI!
Anything I can check relatively easily to diagnose it? I'm a bit of a hack mechanic, just FYI!
And yes…you can fill the p/s reservoir and look to see where it leaks out before starting the engine. If you can't find the leak w/o starting the engine, I'd jack the car up on stands and remove the belly pan and start the car and look for leaks….if it loses fluid in 20 minutes it's going somewhere FAST!
Last edited by SloopJohnB@mac.com; 06-08-2014 at 04:01 PM.
#5
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Ah okay, thanks. I'm a little dense...
I will call around some indy mechanics tomorrow and see about getting a quote for either a steering rack or pump job. The car I am looking at is cheap enough that it still might be worth purchasing if I can get it repaired for under a $1000.
I'll see if I can borrow the car and bring it somewhere for a pre-purchase inspection too. Can I drive without power steering fluid (whether it's the pump, the rack or just a line or somerying) and it will feel like my dads 50s Chevy with no power steering? Or should it not be driven at all without power steering fluid?
I will call around some indy mechanics tomorrow and see about getting a quote for either a steering rack or pump job. The car I am looking at is cheap enough that it still might be worth purchasing if I can get it repaired for under a $1000.
I'll see if I can borrow the car and bring it somewhere for a pre-purchase inspection too. Can I drive without power steering fluid (whether it's the pump, the rack or just a line or somerying) and it will feel like my dads 50s Chevy with no power steering? Or should it not be driven at all without power steering fluid?
#6
AudiWorld Super User
Originally Posted by AT90qubed
Or should it not be driven at all without power steering fluid?
#7
Look at the boots on the ends of the rack. These are just behind the top of the front wheels. If one or both are dripping, then you have a bad rack. If dry, it could still be a bad rack leaking elsewhere or the pump or hoses. If you have to pay someone to do the rack, it will likely exceed the value of the car. It is a not easy do it yourself, at least for me. It is worth the extra money to buy a good quality rebuilt rack. Pass on the el cheapos or you might end up doing it again. Ask me how I know!
Have a nice day
Steve
Have a nice day
Steve
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#9
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Thanks for the comments. I ended up passing on the car with the power steering leak as the guy selling it said he "didn't have time" for me to spend time checking out the car and trying to diagnose the issues and just wanted to sell it right away.
Sketchy.
Sketchy.
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