i have a question about leaking power steering fluid as well. i know definitavely that i have a leak and its coming from the rack. it is very slow, i have to put fluid in once every few months or so. how horrible is it to continue on like this? i know that getting to the rack is labor intensive and will cost cash, so if i can drive it like this for awhile that would be cool. Am i ******* other things up if i continue to drive it with the leak?

 

First off, what kind of steering fluid are you putting in to top off.

The Audi needs specific fluid either OEM or Pentosin 11S. If you are not using these, the seals will swell and your rack will fail. You cannot use "Power steering fluid" from PepBoys, Autozone etc. If you have already put these in, drain and flush the system.

2. If you are removing air from the system, you jack up the front of the car and turn the steering wheel from full turn to full turn with the engine ON. Do this about 5 or so times, and check the fluid level and keep topped up as the air bubbles will be replaced by fluid

 

im using the correct fluid. im not quite that much of a newb. lol. i get it from the stealership.

 

You'd be surprised how many people don't use the correct stuff.

regarding the squeek, it could be the steering knuckle. Unlock the tilt lock on the steering wheel,tilt the wheelup and down, and pull and push the steering wheel in and out. Readjust and see if the squeek is gone.

 

So, I just found out that I need to replace my rack and pinion on my 98.5 A4. Does anyone know how much the parts are and is there a "how to" to do it yourself, or would you recommend taking it to a dealership? If so, are there any techs on here that live in or around Grand Rapids, Mi? Thanks! Any... Any help would be awesome. Thanks!