steering fluid leak

Straycat · #1 15th January 2012, 02:19 PM

Hi Guys,
I have a S reg 98 S8 D2, it is a great car for its age even though its got 156000 on the clock the interior is absolutely not 156000 and the body has a few small scratches on it and again no more than you would expect on that age of car. I have a few problems how ever with the running in that I have now got a steering fluid leak and can see it dripping from under the drivers side in line with the lower suspension arm rear rubber mount, this looks to be to far back for the rack so was wondering if anyone knows what might be in that area, I have just topped up the fluid in the steering pump resivour as the pump started to make a noise so the leak is steering fluid. The other problem is very poor starting in the cold weather, I put a new battery on it this time last year and was great up to winter. Have got good charging voltage when engine is running so thinking the battery is buggered? going to get it checked out when I can get some time off work when the place I got it from is open! How much power is used when the car is parked up for the night? Is the model known for being a bit battery hungry?

sarg · #2 15th January 2012, 03:51 PM

Sorry to say this sounds like the rack will need replacing, had to do this on my 4.2QS, it is a horrible job

PsYcHe · #3 15th January 2012, 04:27 PM

Looking at the audipages.com procedure, it's a bitch. I think my indy quoted me 4-6 hours when we were concerned with mine.

sarg · #4 15th January 2012, 04:34 PM

Northampton Audi quoted me 7 hours' worth of labour, it was almost more than the car was worth!

My personal mechanics (aka Dad and brother) did the work but it took several weekends

Straycat · #5 15th January 2012, 06:06 PM

Oh Bugger! Is the A8 rack different from my S8 one? how do I know if I have a Servotronic bit on my car? Think I am going to have to get under the car and see what's what

PsYcHe · #6 15th January 2012, 07:44 PM

If it's a Facelift, then there's a good chance you have it. PF, almost guaranteed not (IIRC).

Nollywood · #7 16th January 2012, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Straycat

Hi Guys,
I have a S reg 98 S8 D2, it is a great car for its age even though its got 156000 on the clock the interior is absolutely not 156000 and the body has a few small scratches on it and again no more than you would expect on that age of car. I have a few problems how ever with the running in that I have now got a steering fluid leak and can see it dripping from under the drivers side in line with the lower suspension arm rear rubber mount, this looks to be to far back for the rack so was wondering if anyone knows what might be in that area, I have just topped up the fluid in the steering pump resivour as the pump started to make a noise so the leak is steering fluid. The other problem is very poor starting in the cold weather, I put a new battery on it this time last year and was great up to winter. Have got good charging voltage when engine is running so thinking the battery is buggered? going to get it checked out when I can get some time off work when the place I got it from is open! How much power is used when the car is parked up for the night? Is the model known for being a bit battery hungry?

A leak in the area you're describing could be either the rack, high-pressure union (loose?) or the high-pressure line itself. The rack is a bitch to replace with the motor and trans in situ, but possible. I've replaced the rack in an A8 2,8 QS, and that was a pig, I would imagine it'll be worse in V8-engined models.

When you say the car is a poor starter in cold weather, is it hard to start as in the motor turns over slower than normal? Or it cranks fast, but seems reluctant to fire? If it's slow, and you've got a good battery, then it's worth checking your battery earth strap in the trunk, make sure the chassis bolt is secure, the terminals are nice and tight. I would also be looking at the starter motor connections. If they're all in good shape, then your starter motor itself could be a bit tired.

Work does take me to Norwich on occasion, we might be able to arrange to meet up, and I could take a look. PM me details, if that fits in with your schedule.

Nollywood · #8 16th January 2012, 12:33 AM

Another thing - if the leak appears too far back to be the rack, the only other area to lose PAS fluid is the high-pressure hose going to the rear on vehicles with self-levelling suspension. Not an S8 option, but one can never tell. I would imagine it could be specified by the original owner when the car was ordered, Iyole on here has a 2002 S8, and it would appear his car had self-levelling.

sarg · #9 16th January 2012, 01:13 AM

Mine was a FL car without servotronic, only way of telling was when we hot the old one out, though I think if you phone Audi was a spec check it should tell you if it has servotronic.

Never done a rack on an S8, but don't imagine it is much different to the A8, and yes it is one hell of a pig of a job, prepare to have your hands and arms ripped to pieces in 'Satan's Hole' !!!

IIRC, we used the write up on Audipages, which is for LHD models, so you just need to think it through a bit.

It will gradually get worse, at the end with mine I was putting in more PAS fluid than petrol, even got a discount on the stuff from my local motor factors

Can you smell anything? The fluid usually drips on something warm and produces quite a distinctive smell.

Another symptom, you may hear quite a groaning noise on full lock, and if you can get it jacked up and turn on full lock, you may even be able to see the fluid coming out.

It is possible to have the rack reconditioned, but just as cheap to do an exchange with another reconditioned unit.

Dezzy · #10 16th January 2012, 06:58 AM

Check your battery type is a 019 it should have a rating of 100ah, it is quite high. So yes the 8 is quite power hungry but with the right type battery it should be fine.