[s-cars] Power Steering pump x-plug/chirping noise upon startup

[Paul Heneghan]

Did mine a few weeks ago. Charlie's write-up is spot on. Went well except I
had no brake assist for a few minutes afterwards. Would suggest priming the
pump by pouring a little fluid into the chamber after you've put the spring
and piston back but before you've put the cap back on.

A lot of people believe that the main reason for early failure is that the
seal wasn't lubricated before installation causing it to shred as the x-plug
is tightened.

My main difficulty was getting 50 Nm. My drag link socket wanted to pop out.
Put a LOT of downward force on it and keep it absolutely straight when
torquing up.

You MUST use the correct fluid - hydraulic mineral oil. It was originally
given the part number G 002 000. KATE shows that it is now G 004 000 M2.
Price is between GBP 10 and GBP 15 per litre. I usually use the genuine Audi
stuff, but I bought a couple of litres of a Castrol equivalent a few years
ago when I had a big leak in a power steering rack, and it was fine.

Blauparts have a useful page on this topic:
http://www.blauparts.com/audi/audi_fluid/audi_power_steering_fluid.shtml

Good luck.

Paul