Hydraulic system problems ('85 5000 turbo)

[Ameer Antar]

Thanks for the responses. The pump was a rebuilt one from ebay. It's definitely in better shape than the original.
 
So in normal operation, should the fluid level change that much? If not, it does sound like air in the system. Air can be compressed, making the fluid go down when pressurized. I used the Bentley procedure for bleeding the system: front wheels off the ground and turning lock-lock, as Huw mentioned, but it didn't seem to do too much.
 
The highest point in the system is the reservoir, servo or the pump itself. Do you think it would be safe to crack open the banjo bolts while running the engine to see if air is stuck there? Thanks again.
 
 
-Ameer
 
-------------------- Original Message --------------------
From:Huw Powell [audi at humanspeakers.com]
To:Ameer Antar [antar at comcast.net]
Cc:Quattro List [quattro at audifans.com]
Date:8/17/06 2:38:26 PM
Subject:Re: Hydraulic system problems ('85 5000 turbo)
> The power assist does seem to randomly change.

> Also, I noticed that the fluid level in the reservoir changes a lot.

Without being an expert on this particular system, I would have to say
my first suspect here is a lot of air still in the system. It probably
moves around, and ends up cavitating the pump while its running,
killing, or at least randomizing, your pressure and assist.

I do believe I have read here that bleeding the system is a complex
process (but that might have been the cooling system!).

I don't know if you need to elevate one end of the car at all, but I'm
sure you have to turn the steering (with system running) from lock to
lock several times.

Looking at it, you might be able to see where the high points, etc., are
and determine the best way to make sure it is air-free.

--
Huw Powell

(http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi) http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

(http://www.humanthoughts.org/) http://www.humanthoughts.org/