I noticed that my steering wheel was getting a bit more difficult to turn in the colder weather, so I figured I'd try a fluid change. I got a liter of the green crap from my local VW dealer ($18, not bad) and changed it today. The crap that came out was really thick red/brown color. I hope that no damage was done by the last owner putting that crap in. I have to say that the green fluid was *really* thin compared to what was in there. Hopefully this will straighten things out (get it?).

 

as the fluid level gets lower the steering becomes harder....

I just did a p/s fluid flush last week...it was definitely in need of a change....

one thing is that no other fluid should be in the system at all, I would suggest driving the car for a couple days and then doing another flush to get some more of the crappy fluid out...since although you did the flush, there was definitely excess crappy fluid still in your p/s cooler, rack and pump....

 

great idea, i had half the bottle left so i will do that (as long as it's not too cold!)

 

how hard is it to do the power steering fluid flush??
is there a DIY for 2.8s?

 

I'm guessing the system is identical to a 1.8, or at least extremely similar....

I was forced to flush my fluid because I was replacing my p/s cooler...

I just popped off the p/s cooler...all the fluid came out of the lines...I installed new tubing to the p/s cooler....

With the front of the car off the ground, top off the res. and leave the cap off the reservoir,

now start the car

turn the wheel from lock to lock repeatedly, varying engine speed from idle to ~2000rpm. Add fluid as necessary, and when the air bubbles disappear from the reservoir, and the groaning noise from the pump goes away, you're done. Go for a drive, and make one final check for leaks, then reinstall the belly pan.

 

wow sounds kinda simple.
THANKS!