Power steering fluid

[Adam]

Hey guys. Need some help.

My polo 2006 GTI steering has been playing up in the last week or so. The symptoms would be inconsistent steering feel when putting in turning input. It would be "like normal" and if I put large input in quickly, it would become resistant and heavy (car still turns). It has that slipping feel.

So, I think it's the lack of power steering fluid, hydraulic fluid in the car, so I opened her up today and found the reservoir, I think. And I just want to confirm with the more technical minded fellows that it is indeed the one. It's the green cap below the battery tray? The inside of it when I looked down was empty, and has that oily shiny look on the walls.

Also, what spec of hydraulic fluid should I put in there? I was thinking of just getting vw's one, so I probably would start selling my left hand for it. But would aftermarket fluids be better? And whether mixing the fluid would be ideal?

Thank you for your time.
Adam

[gavs]

Not being a 9n afficianado I probably can't help too much but I can confirm that the exact spot you describe on my 6r polo holds the power steering fluid. The first question that I would be asking though is this: Where has all that fluid gone? No good topping it up if it just keeps disappearing...

[Adam]

That's a good question, I think what I might do is roll the car into the garage and leave newspaper underneath while I pour the new ones in and leave it sitting there for a few days to check? I never notice any fluids on the ground when the car is parked though.

Not being a 9n afficianado I probably can't help too much but I can confirm that the exact spot you describe on my 6r polo holds the power steering fluid. The first question that I would be asking though is this: Where has all that fluid gone? No good topping it up if it just keeps disappearing...

[Tim]

Only use VW fluid to top up unless youre planning on doing a flush and even then be very picky about what you put in. Liquimoly do a good aftermarket replacement. The genuine stuff is usually around $20 a bottle from VW spare parts which is generally enough to completely flush the average system.

But as above after topping up see if you can see any weeping in the system.

[Adam]

Thanks Tim,

Doesn't seem to have any leaks at the moment, and all seem to be operating as normal. I think it's a case of neglected while being serviced. All working as normal now.