Lately I started noticing a weird sound when starting to turn right on my 2001 Audi TT Quattro Roadster specially in low speeds or even when it is stopped. It is fine when I turn left, but when I turn right (in the beginning) I hear a sound of "metal hitting metal" as if the cv joints were going bad (tak tak tak sound). Maybe they are!

Anyway, a mechanic friend of mine asked me to check the power steering fluid first, since the noise is not too loud. I checked it and the oil is smelling like burned. Then he told me to drain the current oil and replace it. I already found out that the correct replacement oil is any G 002 000 compatible, i.e. Pentosin CHF 11S (approx. $20/1liter).

Now, in the repair manual, it doesn't mention anywhere that the power steering fluid should be replaced, only checked. Not even in the scheduled maintenance chart. Furthermore, the level checking is kinda awkward. So the questions I have are:

1. The repair manual says that the correct level must be anywhere between 2mm above the MIN and 2mm below the MIN. Yes, both 2mm around the MIN, not MAX. Is that correct? Or the Bentley's repair manual has a typo? ( I have the 2000-2006 Audi TT Service Manual section 03-31). Is it really MIN +- 2mm range? Or no, it should be MAX+2mm and MIN-2mm range?

2. Mine is about 2mm above the MAX. Could that be the reason of this clicking noise when turning right?

2. Should I replace the power steering fluid since it is smelling like burned oil, even though the repair manual does not suggest/recommend it?

THANK YOU in advance for you help. Much appreciated!

 

If you think the fluid is bad, change it. It could also be the front sway bar bushings among other parts.

 

My Bentley, paper copy, says:

if cold, level should be + or - 2mm of min level

if at operating temp, level should be between Min and Max marks.

The notes ( adding or subtracting fluid if the level is more than 2mm above/below min mark) only make sense if they associated with the "cold" reading, not the "operating temp" reading.


IMO, best to check when cold.

cheers

 

many lifetime fluids are NOT, meaning until warranty is gone then your SOL!! also helps sell cars thing less upkeep is necessary, but sometimes your lucky or NOT $$$$. as cars age even when not driven things deteriorate, especially rubber bushing etc, get under the car + start grabbing + shaking connections or go to a good front end shop!!