Which power steering fluid?

[Claude]

Hi, Having had a recent problem with steering (T3/25 2.1 Syncro) that led to a new pump I am keen to replace the fluid with the correct 'stuff'! There are conflicting opinions on whatever forum you care to look at so am none the wiser.

Handbook just states Dexron which appears to be a generic name given to such fluids, the name being registered to GM? I have been told that only green fluid (g00200), mineral base should be used and then someone else said that ATF (Dexron 11) was the correct spec, adding that the colour of the reservoir cap indicated the colour of the fluid? I am inclined to think that the lid colour is only a visual indicator to the whereabouts of the filler cap though?

Red fluid was in the system but given that the filter and internals of the reservoir had been removed and discarded by the previous owner I don't see that as a reliable indicator!

If anyone can give me a definite answer, red or green I would appreciate it?

Many thanks

[Hacksawbob]

I have red in mine, 1989.

[KINGPRAWN]

DexrOn 11 in mine as per bently...

[California Dreamin]

I am inclined to think that the lid colour is only a visual indicator to the whereabouts of the filler cap though?
Red fluid was in the system but given that the filter and internals of the reservoir had been removed and discarded by the previous owner I don't see that as a reliable indicator!

I asked this question some years ago and was 'reliably' informed that the filler cap colour DOES indicate fluid type.
So ATF (automatic transmission oil) Dexon or whatever the modern equivelent is.
Apparently all the P/S systems fitted to the T25 used ATF...only later models used dedicated P/S fluid.
I have seen green filler caps on later models so this info is reliable.

Martin

[Hacksawbob]

I am pretty sure it was Simon Baxter who mentioned the cap colour=fluid colour on a thread many moons ago.

[Claude]

Thank you for the replies. There I was about to make a decision as a result of the fairly definitve opinion, until that is, VW put the proverbial oar in the ointment and stated that the correct fluid is the G00200 spec but actually gave me the current equivalent part number. The upshot is that VW recommend the green stuff and not the red. I questioned the chap who added, well come and see for yourself and there on the screen was proof, green, not red!?

So does anyone know why the VW data should be questioned, I certainly don't, well not at the time of typing this anyway but I am confident someone will tell me!?

Cheers

[California Dreamin]

That doesn't suprise me in the slightest...actually makes sense that a dedicated power steering fluid is ALSO an option but...I would be careful to completely flush out the ATF just in case mixing has adverse effects (the green P/S fluid is likely to be fully synthetic)
Still....this doesn't mean the Dexon ATF isn't suitable, it obviously came filled with Dexon and has been running fine with this fluid for years and it's much cheaper to boot....so either option...mines running ATF but I do have a tin of the green stuff.



Martin

[Claude]

Yes have drained system, rack off and drained that and replaced feed and return pipes so I am fairly confident most of the old fluid has been removed.
The fluid from VW is G00400 M2 which apparently is the replacement part no. for G00200.
Just waiting for a new filter (at least now there will be a filter in the system!) and away we go........fingers crossed.

Thanks again for the replies and advice.