[urq] Could ATF Dexron II eat diaphram pressure accumulator? (aka bomb)

[Maurits Jonkergouw]

As we all know, Audi used red ATF Dexron II in the earlier cars and parts like the bomb, pump and steeringrack which where designed for this kind of liquid. From 1988 on they 'upgraded' to the green oil and changed those parts accordingly.

It's been a known fact you cannot use ATF in those 'newer' parts because it would 'eat' the seals but it is supposed to be safe to use the green oil for these 'older' parts original designed for ATF.

My first question is if we would buy a new steeringrack or -pump and pressure accumulator (aka the bomb) from Audi today, will those be designed for the green stuff -only- and therefor not to be used with the red ATF oil?

I ask this because I'm still having the ATF oil in my car and when my bomb was replaced last year with a new 'cheap' OE type from FEBI (BMW 7 series), and it only lasted a few months. A few months back I've put in a used bomb (not sure if the previous owner used ATF or the green oil in it) but this one has gone bad also.... Coincidence?

If i would order an expensive original Audi bomb today, will that be designed for the green stuff only and will it be destroyed when used with ATF like the other two?

In other words, should I better 'upgrade' to the green stuff this time when I replace the bomb with the Audi part or could I just keep using the ATF oil?


I hate this part of ownership when they (Audi) switched fluids and sell 'upgraded' parts which are not compatible with older parts and fluids...

Regards,
Maurits

1986 quattro GV
1985 Coupe GT KV
1982 Coupe GL DD