About to try Lucas stop-leak PS fluid.. stop me before it's too late?

[dr_always]

My 96 A4 2.8 just started leaking power steering fluid a few weeks ago and it seems to be slow but constant. A buddy of mine who knows cars (though not necessarily german) suggested this stuff:

http://lucasoil.com/products/problem...ring-stop-leak

I know that Lucas makes a strong product though I've also read all the warnings on here about using nothing but OEM fluid (or maybe a Pentosin blend). I ran out of extra fluid yesterday and need a new bottle or two until I fix this leak, this stop-leak is maybe $6 and can be had now. OEM fluid is $40 shipped and will take several days.

Would you put this Lucas stop-leak in your B5 A4?

[cb4rings]

Don't do it!!! I tried the same thing on my B7 A4 and a week later I had to replace the rack. I suggest getting it fixed ASAP or you will be sorry.. Not sure what a b5 rack goes for but I am sure it aint cheep! You need also to be considered with you power steering pump, if the car is groaning when you turn you could really be in bad shape.

[cclarkb5]

Your car is not a Ford F-150. In fact, I wouldn't even put stop leak in an f-150.


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[Articus]

Use the Pentosin CHF 11s version which can be had for much cheaper. OEM approved. As far as I've read. The Pentosin stuff is identical to the OEM.

[Bordom]

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T PUT THAT SHIT IN THERE.

FIX YOUR LEAK

[dr_always]

Lol thanks guys.. I don't think I could've put that stuff in there no matter what you had said but the reassurance makes me feel better.

I'm sure I'll go ahead and get the OEM fluid but just in case, anyone know where to find a bottle of Pentosin chs-11s? Preferably local? Has anyone tracked down a cheaper source for the OEM?

The car only groans just a little when I accidentally let the PS reservoir go below the min line in which case I refill it asap and it purrs like a kitten again.

[Articus]

Had a quick look and Pentosin CHF 11S appears to be at most auto store chains (Autozone, Oreilly's, Pep boys, Napa etc)

[dr_always]

Oh wow, you're right. I had misspelled it.

Has anyone mixed Pentosin CHF-11s into a system already running OEM? Any adverse effects?

I need fluid before a shipment of OEM would be able to reach my doorstep so I'll likely be going with the Pentosin.

[Articus]

^ I did. No issues. As far as I've researched, the Pentosin CHF 11S IS the OEM fluid. The fluids are identical just different packaging. Pentosin makes the fluid and relabeled/packaged with a markup for Audi dealers.

Same thing goes for brake fluid. The Pentosin DOT 4 IS the OEM fluid. OEM brake fluid for our car is just repackaged Pentosin DOT 4 and markup. Pentosin is a german company that makes hydraulic fluids (braking, steering, suspension etc.)



The only thing I have not figured out is if the VW G12 (or G13) is also made by Pentosin. I know Pentosin makes a G12/g13 that is compatible, not sure if it's identical just repackaged for dealers.

[dr_always]

Hopefully my local orielly's or advance auto can get it delivered in from a nearby town tomorrow. Thanks a bunch, exactly what I needed to know!

[Knikkz31]

Oops, I've used Lucas multiple times now...

My rack was already shot, and that stuff seems to work okay in the summer. Now that it's winter I'll drain what I can get out and replace with the OEM fluid because of how thick it is. Needed a new rack for like two years now, just haven't gotten around to replacing it. I'll probably end up replacing the pump again also.

[dr_always]

Wow, didn't realize you could get by for two years on a busted rack.. maybe my allergic reaction to working in the cold *cough cough* won't be anything to worry about this winter then. ;)

[ricekikr]

Check what type of fluid you have first (regular or syntethic) chf 7.1 and 11s shouldn't be mixed. Unless maybe if you do a complete flush.

[Wrath And Tears]

Check what type of fluid you have first (regular or syntethic) chf 7.1 and 11s shouldn't be mixed. Unless maybe if you do a complete flush.

CHF 7.1, 11S and 202 can all be mixed and interchanged as they are all mineral based hydraulic fluid. They cannot be mixed with CHF 4.1 or ATF.

Just to clarify.

[Articus]

CHF 7.1, 11S and 202 can all be mixed and interchanged as they are all mineral based hydraulic fluid. They cannot be mixed with CHF 4.1 or ATF.

Just to clarify.

No.

CHF 7.1 is mineral oil based. CHF 11S and CHF 202 are synthetics. 11S and 202 are not backwards compatible with 7.1 according to Pentosin so do NOT mix them in your system.
On an older car, you really should not mix CHF 11S with 202S. You'll just risk introducing leaks.

[OverSpun]

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T PUT THAT SHIT IN THERE.

FIX YOUR LEAK

^ I did. No issues. As far as I've researched, the Pentosin CHF 11S IS the OEM fluid. The fluids are identical just different packaging. Pentosin makes the fluid and relabeled/packaged with a markup for Audi dealers.

Same thing goes for brake fluid. The Pentosin DOT 4 IS the OEM fluid. OEM brake fluid for our car is just repackaged Pentosin DOT 4 and markup. Pentosin is a german company that makes hydraulic fluids (braking, steering, suspension etc.)



The only thing I have not figured out is if the VW G12 (or G13) is also made by Pentosin. I know Pentosin makes a G12/g13 that is compatible, not sure if it's identical just repackaged for dealers.

G13 superseded G12. I can check my G13 Jug to see who makes the G13 but it's not difficult to find G13 without going to the dealership. Amazon has everything. Not expensive either way.

Had a quick look and Pentosin CHF 11S appears to be at most auto store chains (Autozone, Oreilly's, Pep boys, Napa etc)

Amazon. Cheaper than any of those options. I buy everything on Amazon prime.

[seanf86]

check this out post #32 lots of the B6 guys use the stuff, its good for swelling up rack seals and keeping you from having to say replace the rack in December when its -40 and allows you to drag it out until the spring when warm. The lucas PS stop leak is the only stop leak I'd ever attempt in my own car and actually have a bottle just in case.