Where did my hydraulic fluid go?

whiffer · 05-07-11, 08:05 PM

So far I have learned that the hydraulic system on the type 44 200QT is as complicated as the workings of a woman's mind. Still, undaunted, I'm afraid I must fix the bastard.

When I bought the car the entire hydraulic system was empty the previous owner told me that the car had pissed all the oil out during the MOT test.

Anyway the question is which component is most likely to have failed?
Master cylinder
Accumulator
Steering rack
Can't think of another!

The car has self levelling suspension. Is the best way forward to fill it up with fluid and see which component has failed?

Isimmo · 05-07-11, 08:07 PM

Look for the component swimming in hydaulic fluid could be a good starting point.

whiffer · 05-07-11, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isimmo

Look for the component swimming in hydaulic fluid could be a good starting point.

I do believe you have got it Watson! only the oil buggered off bout 4 years ago so not too much of anything anywhere!

Martc · 05-07-11, 08:12 PM

clutch slave cylinder is another culprit look for fluid leaking from gearbox bell housing

Isimmo · 05-07-11, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiffer

I do believe you have got it Watson! only the oil buggered off bout 4 years ago so not too much of anything anywhere!

A, a cunning plan Sir...

Fill it up again....

Phil Payne · 05-07-11, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiffer

Anyway the question is which component is most likely to have failed?

Master cylinder
Accumulator
Steering rack
Can't think of another!

Not the master cylinder (it doesn't go there) but perhaps the servo. Unlikely, though.

Favourite is the pump - lots of reasons why the cap seals fail.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiffer

The car has self levelling suspension.

Run! Run like ****!

Yup - put some oil in and see what happens. There are cheaper alternatives you can use for diagnostics.

whiffer · 05-07-11, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Payne

Not the master cylinder (it doesn't go there) but perhaps the servo. Unlikely, though.

Favourite is the pump - lots of reasons why the cap seals fail.

Run! Run like ****!

Yup - put some oil in and see what happens. There are cheaper alternatives you can use for diagnostics.

Will be removing the self levelling suspension - from what I have read on the forum this may also be a nightmare - deep joy

Phil Payne · 05-07-11, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiffer

Will be removing the self levelling suspension - from what I have read on the forum this may also be a nightmare

It's wonderful when it works, but it's high maintenance and some of the parts prices would bring tears to the eyes of a granite statue.

Phil Payne · 05-07-11, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martc

clutch slave cylinder is another culprit look for fluid leaking from gearbox bell housing

Hydraulic oil? Clutch (on a RHD) has its own DoT4 supply.

ovalking · 06-07-11, 11:28 AM

Like Phil says the pump is the favourite.

Rear struts is another component to check.

And the self-levelling is indeed good ... when it works.

The hydraulics is by far the worst system on my 100. Every component has required attention.

05-07-11, 08:07 PM	#2
Isimmo Super Moderator Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sissix-by-the-sea Posts: 15,218	Look for the component swimming in hydaulic fluid could be a good starting point. __________________ 1985 WR quattro, 1985 20vT RallyRep, 1993 MTM ABY S2 Avant. 2010 S3 Sportback.

05-07-11, 08:12 PM	#4
Martc Black Coupe Collector Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Towcestershiresheer Posts: 2,934	clutch slave cylinder is another culprit look for fluid leaking from gearbox bell housing __________________ 95 UrS6 87 Coupe Quattro

06-07-11, 11:28 AM	#10
ovalking Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ipswich Posts: 272	Like Phil says the pump is the favourite. Rear struts is another component to check. And the self-levelling is indeed good ... when it works. The hydraulics is by far the worst system on my 100. Every component has required attention.