Power Steering Fluid: Testing and Inspection

WM 480201 Checking the power-steering fluid level

Information on power-steering fluid

Notes on power-steering fluid

Damage to the power-assisted steering is caused by a shortage of oil in the hydraulic system. Even small leaks can cause the fluid to escape and damage the servo pump as a result of the high oil pressure occurring in the hydraulic circuit.

Grunt-like noises that can be heard when the steering is locked, or foam formation in the reservoir indicate a shortage of oil and/or that air has also been sucked in. Before filling the reservoir, any existing leaks must be eliminated on the suction side. Alternatively, the defective part on the pressure side should be replaced.

Use only Pentosin hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. Pentosin can be ordered under the following part number:

Quantity supplied 1 litre = 000.043.203.33.

Checking the power-steering fluid level

Checking power-steering fluid level - 911 Turbo/911 GT2, 2009 model

The reservoir is located in the engine compartment.





Reservoir on 911 Turbo/911 GT2

For your information: Unlike on other Porsche models, Pentosin is also used as the clutch control medium for the 911 Turbo. This additional Pentosin reservoir -2- for the 911 Turbo with manual transmission is located under a cover in the luggage compartment.





Pentosin reservoir for clutch control. 911 Turbo only!

Check the fluid level for power-assisted steering.

There are two markings on the dipstick located on the cap. One side bears the marking "Cold" for a cold engine at approx. 20 °C and the other "Hot" for a hot engine at approx. 80 °C.





Checking steering fluid level

Check the fluid level (Pentosin) with the engine switched off and cold. Cold marking on dipstick at approx. 20 °C.
1. Start the engine and leave it running at idle speed for approx. 20 seconds. Switch off the engine.
2. Open engine cover. Open reservoir cap.
3. Wipe off the dipstick. Close and then re-open the cap. The fluid level should be in the hatched area beneath the "Cold" marking (Cold marking = maximum level at 20 °C). Top up with Pentosin if necessary.
The upper "Hot" marking is intended for a fluid temperature of approx. 80 °C.

Do not add too much Pentosin! The respective markings are for the maximum fluid level at "COLD" or "HOT" temperature.

If assembly work was performed previously, check fluid level with the engine idling and without operating the steering.

Multiple steering movements (manoeuvring) with the engine switched off change the fluid level in the reservoir - fluid level rises. In this case, the engine must be run for at least 20 seconds immediately prior to the fluid level check.

When topping up or filling in Pentosin, make sure that it does not get onto the coolant hoses! If coolant hoses come into contact with Pentosin, thoroughly clean them with water IMMEDIATELY!