Re: Hydraulic Oil for Dummies (101)

["Rex Pedersen" <fega@fega.com>]

My question still.. Can you say for sure this all could have been avoided
using Pentosin? Seems like all the listers have done these fixes using the
"liquid gold" anyhow. I am not advocating that eveyone change to ATF or
power steering fluid as I have on my 87, but so far, I seem to be ahead of
the game using NAPA power steering fluid. The rack started leaking after
EXCLUSIVE use of the Audi nector, so I changed. Pump and bomb still fine.
Things work as normal including ant-locks. Rack doesn't leak any less, but
doesn't leak any more either. FWIW, I still use Pentosin in the V8 as it has
no leaks, but when the 87 needs more oil, I go to the NAPA store and buy a
quart of fluid then go and buy a bottle ABSOLUTE for myself with the
leftover money...
Rex Pedersen
85 5ks
86 5ks wagon
87 5ksQ
90 V8q

Pat-
In a word, YES. I used standard PS fluid in my 5kcst the second day I had
it. (Stupid parts guy meets stupid newbie Audi owner, gives him PS fluid
as equivalent to "Audi hydraulic oil" mentioned in owners manual...)
Replaced rack, twice. And bomb, pump, and all lines once. Eventually
drove it for two years without the assist hooked up. This lack of
pressure solved the leaks, but rendered the car impossible for anyone
else to drive (on my good conscience, anyway)... *I* could still stop
hard enough for two cars to rearend me during those 2 years, but parallel
parking required both arms.
I was in college and simply could not afford to keep fixing the aftermath
of that ridiculous mistake. You're not dumb for asking. It is entirely
reasonable, as questions go. But *don't* do it!
Regards,
Rob
87 5kcst (r.i.p.)
85 CGT (rippin')

Pat Dooley wrote:

> While were on this subject, why is it so important to use Pentosin?
> Will massive hydro failure ensue if one pours ATF from Walmart in the
> reservoir?
>
> I know this statement probably puts me in the idiot category to some
> listers, but I have never heard why Pentosin is so indispensable.