Re: (Novice) Standard PS fluid in 84 5000S

[Orin Eman <orin@wolfenet.com>]

> >The power steering/brake system has been leaking fluid for a while
> >apparently; the previous owner had a 3/4-empty gallon jug of 
> >regular NAPA power steering fluid in the trunk, and now I find
> >Audis use something (entirely?) different...
> [descriprion of all kind of failures caused by using regular PS fluid snipped]

> Seems like you have a serious problem. The only fluid compatible with Audi
> hydraulic system is Pentosin (a green, weirdly smelling fluid), sold by
> Audi dealers as part no. G 002 000. Anything else (and particularly generic
> "PS fluid" or ATF) will destroy the seals over very short time. Now, the
> combined power steering/brake assist system comprises of the pump, the
> rack, the brake servo and the pressure accumulator. On your car, all of
> them are most likely dead. You can either:

I'm not sure that it's that bad.  The steering rack, yes.  The bomb?  Doubt
it unless it was dying anyway.  The pump?  If it's not leaking at the
join, it's probably OK.  The pump front seal couldn't care what fluid
is being run - you use general purpose grease when resealing it!
The internal O-rings may shrink and cause leaks.  It can be resealed
for less than $30 (cost of the seal kit).   The brake servo?
There is a simple test - take the return line off - anything more than
an occasional drip and it's toast.

I'd drain the wrong fluid out, clean the resevoir,
put the proper stuff in and then see what is leaking.

Orin.