I had my car taken in for an engine oil to my mechanic (who used to do my bmw). The power steering fluid was empty too so he topped it up with his own one.

Ever since then it's as if the Servotronic does not work. What can I do to solve this problem?

 

If fluid was really low, you likely now have air bubbles in the system. My suggestion is to idle the engine and slowly turn the steering lock to lock; check the fluid level after you have done this and watch for bubbles inside the reservoir. Also make sure you top up with the proper power steering fluid - VW/Audi use a proprietary fluid.

 

Spoke to the mechanic today. He said he used a hydraulic mineral power steering fluid which is what the car requires. Something definitely happened while he had the car to replace the PCV valve + oil change. Either topping it up, switching it off through the fuse (though he's adamant he didn't touch it) or the vag-com might have altered or switched it off (is this a possibility)?

Spoke to another VW/Audi technician. He suggests that we flush the fluid and refill it. See if that works. No guarantee and it'll cost $120.

Spoke to Audi and they said "if you use anything else other than Audi then it could mess up the pump and the steering rack requiring a whole rebuild".

 

time to find a new mechanic..

 

Audi/VW use special fluids for coolant, brakes, etc... It isn't the cheapest to buy but spend the extra few duckets and get it as it costs a lot more to replace parts that get screwed by saving $20 on a jug of fluid....