Hi,<br>do english/american A4-manuals specify the dot-<br>standard of the A4's hydraulic oil (power steering)? My manual has only the VAG code, but<br>on all the various hydraulic oils at the gas <br>station there is only the dot-code. If anyone has<br>his manual at hand: TIA for the code :-)<p>Greetings, Griz<p><br>

DOT-3... It's best for systems with variable pressure. Your power steering is variable assist.

I have never seen a DOT code on the hydralic oil for these things, and after having a 5000TQ I have seen a lot of oil. What ever you do do not put the wrong stuff in, it will blow the seals, and rebuilts are very expensive (and maybe not even available for the A4 yet). The right stuff is expensive (about $19 around here), but much cheaper than a rack.

I have a can of the "factory" fluid. It is Pentosin CHF 11S. There is NO DOT code on the can anywhere. This isn't your standard power steering fluid and it is VERY hard to find, except at Audi/VW dealers, specialty parts places, etc. I obtained mine from Imparts by mail.<p>DO NOT use the regular fluids you find at garages, etc. They will destroy your power steering system. For whatever reason, Audi designed their system for a mineral oil based fluid, not the petroleum-based fluids that other cars use.

Jason C mentioned that it is DOT-3. This sounds like synthetic brake fluid, which as far as I know is NOT the proper material for use in Audi power steering systems. Audis that I have been familair with have used a product called "Pentosin" (believe type 11 is latest recommended) - and warnings have been to USE NO OTHER PRODUCT in the hydraulic systems. Don't know if this has changed, but would caution you to be careful.<br>