Power Steering Fluid: Testing and Inspection

General

Damage to the power steering is caused by a shortage of oil in the hydraulic system. Even small leaks can cause the fluid to escape and damage the servo pump as a result of the high oil pressure occurring in the hydraulic circuit.

"Grunt-like" noises when the steering is locked or foam formation in the reservoir indicates a shortage of oil and/or that air has also been sucked in. Before filling the reservoir, any existing leaks must be eliminated on the suction side. Alternatively, the defective part on the pressure side should be replaced.







Power steering and clutch operation are supported by hydraulic auxiliary forces. The common reservoir -A- is located in the engine compartment.

Only Pentosin CHF 11 S may be filled into the reservoir. Pentosin CHF 11 S can be ordered with the following part number: Quantity supplied 1 litre = 000.043.203.33.


NOTE:
- There is a second tank in the luggage compartment for clutch operation. This container is located under a cover.
- Rack-and-pinion steering gear and servo pump must not be repaired or dismantled.


Checking hydraulic fluid of power steering and servo clutch


NOTE:
- Power steering and clutch operation are supported by hydraulic auxiliary forces.
- The reservoir is located in the engine compartment
- There are two marks on the dipstick located on the reservoir cap. One side bears the mark Cold for a cold engine (approximately 20 °C) and the other Hot for a hot engine (approximately 80 °C).






Pentosin reservoir

- Check the fluid level (Pentosin CHF 11 S) with the engine stationary and cold (approx. 20 °C).


CAUTION:
Danger of damage to property if too much Pentosin CHF 11 S is filled or if it comes in contact with the coolant hoses when topping up or filling in.
- Observe the following specifications in order to avoid overfilling and thus overflowing.
- Multiple steering operations (manoeuvreing) or/and actuating the clutch with the engine switched off change the fluid level in the reservoir. Fluid level rises. In this case, the engine must be run for approx. 20 seconds immediately prior to the fluid level check.
- If coolant hoses come into contact with Pentosin, thoroughly clean them with water IMMEDIATELY.
- Replace visibly swollen coolant hoses.


1 - Start engine and run it at idle speed for approx. 20 seconds. Switch off engine.

2 - Open the engine cover.

3 - Open reservoir cap.

4 - Wipe off the dipstick. Close and then reopen the cap. The fluid level should lie in the hatched area beneath the "Cold" mark (mark maximum level at 20 °C). Top up with Pentosin if necessary. * The upper "Hot" mark is intended for a fluid temperature of 80 °C.

- Do not add too much Pentosin. The respective marks are for the maximum fluid level at the "COLD" or "HOT" temperature.


NOTE:
- If assembly work was performed previously, check the fluid level with the engine idling and without operating the steering.
- Multiple steering operations (manoeuvreing) or/and actuating the clutch with the engine switched off change the fluid level in the reservoir. Fluid level rises. In this case, the engine must be run for approx. 20 seconds immediately prior to the fluid level check.
- When topping up or filling in Pentosin, make sure that it does not come into contact with the coolant hoses.
- Observe the specifications in order to avoid overfilling and thus overflowing.
- If coolant hoses come into contact with Pentosin, thoroughly clean them with water IMMEDIATELY.
- Replace visibly swollen coolant hoses.