Steering: Testing and Inspection
Checking the fluid level for power steering
Checking the fluid level for power steering
Notes on power-steering fluid
Damage to the power-assisted steering is caused by a shortage of oil in the hydraulic system. Even small leaks can cause the fluid to escape and damage the servo pump as a result of the high oil pressure occurring in the hydraulic circuit.
Grunt-like noises that can be heard when the steering is locked, or foam formation in the reservoir indicate a shortage of oil and/or that air has also been sucked in. Before filling the reservoir, any existing leaks must be eliminated on the suction side. Alternatively, the defective part on the pressure side should be replaced.
Use only Pentosin hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. Pentosin can be ordered under the following part number:
Quantity supplied 1 liter = 000.043.203.33.
Checking fluid level for power-assisted steering
The reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
Reservoir on 911 Carrera
Reservoir on 911 Turbo
Pentosin reservoir for clutch control. 911 Turbo only!
For your information: Unlike on other Porsche models, Pentosin is also used as the clutch control medium for the 911 Turbo. This additional Pentosin reservoir -2- for the 911 Turbo with manual transmission is located under a cover in the luggage compartment.
Check the fluid level for power-assisted steering.
Checking the level of steering fluid
There are two marks on the dipstick located on the cap (911 Carrera, 911 GT3 and 911 Turbo). One area is marked "Cold" for when the engine is cold - "Cold" mark: approx. 20 degrees C and the other is marked "Hot" for when the engine is warmed up - "Hot" mark: approx. 80 degrees C.
Check the fluid level (Pentosin) when the engine is idling and cold - "Cold" mark: approx. 20 degrees C.
1. Start the engine and let it run for - Period: approx. 20 s. Switch off engine.
2. Open engine cover. Open reservoir cap.
3. Wipe off the dipstick. Close and then reopen cap. The fluid level should lie in the hatched area beneath the "Cold" mark (mark = maximum level) at - "Cold" mark: approx. 20 degrees C. Top up with Pentosin if necessary. The higher mark "Hot" is for a fluid temperature of - "Hot" mark: approx. 80 degrees C.
Do not add too much Pentosin! The respective marks are for the maximum fluid level at the "COLD" or "HOT" temperature.
If assembly work was performed previously, check fluid level with the engine idling and without operating the steering.
Multiple steering movements (maneuvering) with the engine switched off change the fluid level in the reservoir fluid level rises. In this case, the engine must be run for at least 20 seconds immediately prior to the fluid level check.
When topping up or filling in Pentosin, make sure that it does not come into contact with the coolant hoses! If coolant hoses come into contact with Pentosin, thoroughly clean them with water IMMEDIATELY! Replace visibly swollen coolant hoses!
Checking the steering system for leaks (visual check)
With engine idling, turn steering wheel as far as the stop and hold still. The maximum possible line pressure results in this way.
In this position, check all pipe connections for leaks.
Carry out testing for a maximum of - Period: 10 s. A longer check should always be interrupted by a brief pause after approximately - Period: 10 s.