loss of power steering fluid

[teds1969]

i own a 2002 tdi se. Driving home today car started making whining noises when steering. Gradually got louder and louder. Checked the power steering fluid level and it was below minimum so i topped it up and hey presto no more noise. However, about an hour later noise started coming back. Obviously a big leak. Is this likely to be a large repair bill or could it be something minor? Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[Seatmann]

It's got to be either the pump, a pipe or the rack, check the pipe fittings especially the return line, it might just have a jubilee clip holding it on as it doesn't have high pressure, you'll just have to have a good look around. I'm just waiting on a new rack myself because it's peeing out fluid, I've bypassed the pwer steering pump with a shorter aux belt but it's not very pleasant. If it is the rack acspowersteering seem to be one of the cheapest I could find but you might get away with one from a golf because I think that's what your car's based on and they should be knocking about on ebay.

 

[pedrosol]

If it is the pump you could try a power-steering repair specialist. Some can replace seals for lot less than a new one.

 

[teds1969]

thanks for the replies. Have been informed it is the rack that needs replaced. The fluid was coming out the gator on the drivers side, mechanic showed me. Will get a price from him tomorrow, hopefully not to bad. Also been informed this is a common fault.