Power Steering Fluid: What to get?
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 922
Likes: 9
To reopen an old thread CHF-11s ore CHF202
Seems our cars call for VW/Audi G002000, which cross references to CHF-211s
But almost all the online parts stores suggest CHF-202 (Which cross references to VW/Audi G004000) for 2000 Audi (as does the place I take it to).
Thinking that maybe G004000/CHF-202 is a updated replacement for G002000/CHF-11s, but I can find no reference to support that.
Is there any advantage to CHF-202 over CHF-11s?
The reason I am asking is my 2007 MB E350 takes CHF-11s, and I would rather just buy one type.
Seems MB stayed with CHF-11s when VW/Audi went to CHF-202 (in 2006)
But almost all the online parts stores suggest CHF-202 (Which cross references to VW/Audi G004000) for 2000 Audi (as does the place I take it to).
Thinking that maybe G004000/CHF-202 is a updated replacement for G002000/CHF-11s, but I can find no reference to support that.
Is there any advantage to CHF-202 over CHF-11s?
The reason I am asking is my 2007 MB E350 takes CHF-11s, and I would rather just buy one type.
Seems MB stayed with CHF-11s when VW/Audi went to CHF-202 (in 2006)
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48
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From: Wisconsin
It's just hydraulic oil... I'd be willing to bet that plain old ATF would work just fine in a pinch.
For years I ran 10w30 full synthetic in my Nissan's power steering, but then I decided to go manual steering.
For years I ran 10w30 full synthetic in my Nissan's power steering, but then I decided to go manual steering.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 922
Likes: 9
Most all hydraulic fluids these days are "engineered fluids" and specific to a range of applications.
Both these fluids are synthetic and can replace older mineral based fluids are not to be mixed with them.
The specs are close, and if 202 was simply an improved replacement for 11s, I would expect Pentosin to say so.
It get more complicated as Fuchs has two fluids, one being G002000/G004000 compatible and one being G004000 only.
Febi has one fluid that is supposed to cover both?
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Hydraulic power steering systems haven't changed any in a good long time, what makes the VAG hydraulic system any different?
If it's rated for the temp range and the right weight, I don't see the problem.
Brake fluid, they just call for plain old DOT4.
Engine oil is a bit of a weird weight, but nothing special.
And auto fluid is formulated for long life and for specific friction at the clutches, but again not really that special.
Now if the car is under a factory warranty still, that's a different story, but I don't see any reason to buy super hard to find special fluids when perfectly good alternatives are available.
If it's rated for the temp range and the right weight, I don't see the problem.
Brake fluid, they just call for plain old DOT4.
Engine oil is a bit of a weird weight, but nothing special.
And auto fluid is formulated for long life and for specific friction at the clutches, but again not really that special.
Now if the car is under a factory warranty still, that's a different story, but I don't see any reason to buy super hard to find special fluids when perfectly good alternatives are available.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 922
Likes: 9
Hydraulic power steering systems haven't changed any in a good long time, what makes the VAG hydraulic system any different?
If it's rated for the temp range and the right weight, I don't see the problem.
Brake fluid, they just call for plain old DOT4.
Engine oil is a bit of a weird weight, but nothing special.
And auto fluid is formulated for long life and for specific friction at the clutches, but again not really that special.
Now if the car is under a factory warranty still, that's a different story, but I don't see any reason to buy super hard to find special fluids when perfectly good alternatives are available.
If it's rated for the temp range and the right weight, I don't see the problem.
Brake fluid, they just call for plain old DOT4.
Engine oil is a bit of a weird weight, but nothing special.
And auto fluid is formulated for long life and for specific friction at the clutches, but again not really that special.
Now if the car is under a factory warranty still, that's a different story, but I don't see any reason to buy super hard to find special fluids when perfectly good alternatives are available.
Actually hydraulic systems have changed a lot. If I just wanted it to work for a little while, anything from motor oil through ATF would be dandy,
BUT . . . .
I want it to work for a good long while, so picking the "right" fluid id probably a good choice.
My guess is there is not much difference between 11s and 202, just found it odd that so many places recommend 202 when Pentosin recommends 11s.
I might just go with 11s, so I can share a bigger bottle between the Audi and my MBs.
Also find it "interesting" that MB is still using 11s, years after VW/Audi went to 202 (circa 2005).
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 922
Likes: 9
Did A little more reading and decided to buy a 5 liter bottle of 11s.
Seems to be the factory fill for my 2000 A6 and both my MBs (07 and 08)
I think people are "assuming" that 202 is better than 11s, just because it is newer.
Seems to be the factory fill for my 2000 A6 and both my MBs (07 and 08)
I think people are "assuming" that 202 is better than 11s, just because it is newer.
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