Understanding the Power Steering Fluid Level

[volts]

So doing a fluid check on the van today and noticed the power steering fluid appears low.

I understand its not your usual min/max dipstick so how does it work:

Do you have to run the engine for a certain time to reach "operating temperature"?

Its not even registering on the low end of "cold" at the moment.

 

[volts]

Topped it up so its at least reading on the top quarter of cold and it was really low no leaks found but will keep an eye Suprised at the lack of replies. Prehaps a sign the question is self answerable

 

[Pauly]

I can say i have never topped it up on any vehicle i have ever owned, dropping level would indicate a leak so as you say just keep an eye on the level and if it doesnt drop again all good

 

[DXX]

So doing a fluid check on the van today and noticed the power steering fluid appears low.

I understand its not your usual min/max dipstick so how does it work:

Do you have to run the engine for a certain time to reach "operating temperature"?

Its not even registering on the low end of "cold" at the moment.

The power steering fluid will expand when warm but not enough for you to notice on the reservoir.
If the level is low then it was either never correctly filled after maintenance or much more likely you have a leak.

 

[Gus_T6_Bus]

I definitely have a power steering fluid leak, I’ve lost power steering on sharper corners ending up wrestling with insanely heavy wheel and have a little green puddle when I came back to the driveway. Need to get this looked at - can see fluid all round the drivers suspension strut and wheel, as well as at the back of the under engine plastic.

Does anyone have anything to indicate what is normal power steering level looks like?

Also would be best to just get it recovered to a garage to save potentially doing any damage to the pump or aux belt or anything? I had considered buying more fluid to top up just to get me to the garage, but I’ve read some horror stories and thought I might be doing more damage.

 

[Loz]

I had a rack fail due to grit getting through a split gator, scored the ram that destroyed the seal at the end.
the fluid can be topped up to get you around but when it gets hot it will piss out.
are you in warranty as its a £1200 dealer job for rack and pump etc.

 

[Fluff34567]

Personally I would have a good look if its something simple such as a loose pipe.

If nothing obvious I would top it up and go to the garage. Make sure to wash off any on your paint .

 

[Gus_T6_Bus]

Good advice on the paint Fluff, decided to go wash the wheels and round the wheel arches to get rid of the fluid there.

In doing so I had a good look, seems like the drivers side gator might be the source Loz, you can just make out a drip in the middle:

 

[Fluff34567]

I.havent looked on a t6 but normally there is a clip at each end of the gaiter, I don't see one on yours. Maybe t6 doesnt have one.

Can you pull the other end back clean it and operate the steering and see if its leaking from there. Its prob easier to get a rebuilt core exchange rack than changing the seals.

 

[Loz]

It will most likely be the seal on the shaft at that end of the steering rack, unfortunately, VW dealers won't fix it only replace it. If the shaft is scoured then replacing the seal will only be temporary.

 

[Gus_T6_Bus]

I called recovery who sent someone to take a look to see if was something they could sort it on site. The recovery bloke was a T4 owner, and having had a look immediately suggested largely what you have - likely a seal and that a main dealer will look to replace not fix it or consider anything reconditioned. The driver suggested he could book it as a temporary repair (so we could legitimately recover it again if needed) and we took it on the truck to a little local Land Rover specialist with a passion for Transporters. He looked and said it’s almost certainly a seal, likely caused by the change in the steering rack angle (lowering). He’s putting a new seal in and checking that’s all. Fingers crossed

Thanks for the input guys, massive help and - spot on so far!

 

[Glenn Board]

Hi, i need to do a top up, could somebody please confirm what specification fluid i should buy please?

 

[CALLAKN]

just reading this - I bought the MVCHF made by COMMA - my local mechanic told me that's the stuff I want for my van. There appears to be a slow leak, but I haven't got time this week to sort that with a trip to Ireland ahead. So a top up for now, and then when I get home from Ireland I will look into fixing it.

 

[Loz]

Take the fluid and keep an eye on the level, if it gets low it will heat up quicker and if you are doing long drives that could overheat a seal and lose the lot (happened to me in France)

 

[CALLAKN]

Take the fluid and keep an eye on the level, if it gets low it will heat up quicker and if you are doing long drives that could overheat a seal and lose the lot (happened to me in France)

Will do loz cheers

 

[CALLAKN]

its at the stage of knocking when turning at low speeds lol

 

[Dellmassive]

Steering started to feel heavy on 2/3rds lock ..

2018 T6 DSG 61k miles, standard Sportline.

Checking the levels i found this. (hot engine.)

Eeek.


.

Not good so I'm assuming there's a leak somewhere. I will check out the steering rack gaiters as @Loz has suggested. It's booked in for its service and final warranty check before my 5-year warranty runs out in a couple of weeks so I'll see what Volkswagen say.

 

[Dellmassive]

Steering started to feel heavy on 2/3rds lock ..

2018 T6 standard sport line.

Checking the levels i found this. (hot engine.)

Eeek.
View attachment 186722View attachment 186723

.

Not good so I'm assuming there's a leak somewhere. I will check out the steering rack gaiters as @Loz has suggested. It's booked in for its service and final warranty check before my 5-year warranty runs out in a couple of weeks so I'll see what Volkswagen say.

Had a quick look....

Nothing obvious?

Gaters look dry and dusty.

 

[Loz]

Give the gators a squeeze and see if they are holding any fluid; that was what I was saying above, the rack seals go and you don't see any oil as it is filling up the gators.

 

[Dellmassive]

Give the gators a squeeze and see if they are holding any fluid; that was what I was saying above, the rack seals go and you don't see any oil as it is filling up the gators.

Right ok. I see..

I'll try that.