Alternative to VW power steering fluid...

[veedubcanuck]

 Well I figure I would post this for information... About a year and a half ago I bought a 93 Jetta(AAZ) that had a leaking p/s pressure hose. I replaced the hose and realized at the time that I did not have any VW p/s fluid and it was of course over the Christmas holidays. I wanted to drive the car and figured hey, I wonder what is so "special" about VW's fluid and since I have enough parts around to replace anything that would fail I used regular hydraulic fluid that would be used in tractors etc... well it's been a year and a half and about 15,000 kms later and there has been NO issues. Just thought I would share this. I'll keep you posted if there are any failures in the future... BTW, has anyone else used something else in the system for any length of time??

[Patrick]

Been using standard 32 hydraulic oil for years. Got a slight leak, had a big stock of 32....................
No issues.

[Rabbit on Roids]

how bout AW 46? or something like that with the anti wear stuff?

[Street Toys]

Yes, R32 has been used even by many car manufactures for many years in power steering pumps.

[Patrick]

AW 32 is about the same viscosity as 10W motor oil. AW46 would work too, but might be a problem is really cold weather.

[Rabbit on Roids]

well then thats not a problem for me. it doesnt get very cold here.