Power Steering Fluid ????

[mwh98]

New Kid on the block here. Just purchase my 1st Porsche (01 Boxster with 39,000 miles) and looks like it needs power steering fluid in a big way. Level does not register on the dipstick, or even on my finger when I stick it in the resevor. When going lock to lock on the wheel, I did not hear any unusual noise from the PS pump, I had it up on the rack and did not see any fluid leaking, or signs of a leak. The manual call for only Porsche approved fluid when replacing, but I'm assuming regular old (good quality) power steering fluid from Autozone is OK, right? Just as reference, is there anything else to check, quick check before I go another 6,000 to the dealer for teh 45,000 service package?

Welcome!

Now as far as the power steering fluid you must use the Pentosin CHF 11 S. This is sold at the dealers and at some automotive stores. Make sure you buy the correct fluid if you go to an automotive store. This product can be confused with the brake fluid. Should either one of these be put in the wrong system it will ruin it.

Pentosin power steering fluid is available at you local dealer. The part number is 000 043 203 33 in a 1000 ml container.

[Porschekid]

I know my Audi needs special mineral oil in the power steering fluid or it can seriously mess it up. I would be careful what I put in there.

[mwh98]

After posting the SP question, I went on a mad search on the web, looking for answers. I found everthing from drain the Pentosin CHF 11s and replace with Dextron II or III, to "don't worry the government requires all lubricants to be compatible, go ahead and mix 'em", to all to don't mess with and never mix Pentosin with anything. I'll follow the later of the two. I managed to find a liter of Pentosin at O'Rileys Auto Parts locally, behind the counter for $25.99. Cheap insurance for a potentially major repair. Thanks for the response. Mark

[mwh98]

Well, after speaking with the dealer, the took care of things for me by getting the Pentosin for me, only the local Porsche dealer uses Pentosin CHF 202 ($16.00 per liter) as opposed to Pentosin CHF 11s ($25.00 per liter). When I asked if this was the correct stuff, ther dealer showed me the side of the can that said "compatible with CHF 11s". SO if you can find Pentosin 202, it is almost half the price of 11s.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by mwh98

Well, after speaking with the dealer, the took care of things for me by getting the Pentosin for me, only the local Porsche dealer uses Pentosin CHF 202 ($16.00 per liter) as opposed to Pentosin CHF 11s ($25.00 per liter). When I asked if this was the correct stuff, ther dealer showed me the side of the can that said "compatible with CHF 11s". SO if you can find Pentosin 202, it is almost half the price of 11s.

https://www.pca.org/tech/tech_qa_question.asp?id={BE56ED8B-6293-43EA-B84F-682E2244059A}

Sorry about reviving the old post, but your dealer is taking a chance at your expense.

[Tool Pants]

The link to the PCA site is old. 202 is now what my dealer uses and what I bought from them. I also seem to remember Porsche issued a TSB on it. On the can it says 202 is compatible with 11S

[blue2000s]

The link's only 3 months older than the thread. 202 and 11s may be compatible, but are the seals in the car's system compatible?

[Cloudsurfer]

Not sure if 202 is compatible with 11S, but my understanding is that Audi PS fluid is 11S just re-branded....

Patrick