Hi all,

I very suddenly lost all power steering today. When I pulled over, the LF wheel well had a bit of accumulation. The "mineral oil" reservoir next to the washer fluid reservoir is practically empty. I presume that is where steering fluid goes. Anyway, the question is: where is my steering pump located? I can't see a cut or loose hose anywhere obvious. The pump seems to be working (I could feel vibration through the steering wheel). Is the location of the oil accumulation consistent with the pump being blown, or do I need to just hunt harder for the cut/loose hose?

Thanks,

S.

 

You have to go under the vehicle
Remove the splash shield
Remove the front bumper
Remove the radiator and so on.

I myself haven't done it, but the got the instructions from a repair manual
" CHILTON VW/AUDI PASSAT'98-01, A4 '96-01"
ISBN: 1-5639-244-7

Pick one up at you local library.

 

So... oil in the LF wheel well = not from pump, but a cut/loose hose?

 

Which engine do you have ?

 

2.8...

 

2.7T, 2.8, 3.0 V6's among others have power steering pump at the top center front vertical face of the engine, just behind the hood latch.

Suggest add OEM G4000 PS Fluid and hunt for the leak. You mentioned fluid visible in a front wheel well so inspect under the bellows boot by removing the spring clamp and sliding / rolling it back to see inside. If there is fluid present in either of the bellows boots, your steering rack is leaking.

 

I guess I have a leaky rack then... Thanks.