It matters more how many times the bottle was opened. If brake fluid has been sitting there tightly sealed for 6 months I would have no problem using it. But if it had been opened up a few times and portions poured out intermittently, I'd be hesitant. However, I don't think PS fluid is as hygroscopic as brake fluid is, so there should be no worries in using it. Is it the good Pentosin 11S type? Again, if it's only been opened up a couple times over the 6 months no problem using it.

 

If the lid was on tight, it should be fine to use. 6 months is not really a problem, some product on store shelves might be that old by the time you put it into your shopping cart.

Bigger question: why does your steering fluid need so frequent top ups?

 

I don't think P/S fluid is nearly as hygroscopic as brake fluid. (Brake fluid is designed to be hygroscopic.) P/S is some sort of mineral oil, brake fluid isn't even remotely related; it's Polyethylene Glycol.

 

Even if some moisture was present with the power steering hydraulic oil, the heat of operation will cause it to evaporate.

 

PS is feeling a bit stiffer. Although I will do a complete flush (draining the old fluid via the short hose using a bottle etc) I watched the video below about the PS flush. He uses Transtune. Is it recommended in Passats?

 

I'm planning to use CHF11S The PS does not need topping up. I am planing to flush it. It has been almost 2 years since i replaced it. It is feeling a bit stiffer.
Although I will do a complete flush (draining the old fluid via the short hose using a bottle etc).

The CHF11S is a fully synthetic steering fluid, so you must do a complete flush. The power steering fluid the B5/B5.5 came with from factory is CHF7.1 which is a mineral base oil.

 

Any comment about the Transtune question above?

 

The only P/S fluid you should ever put in your B5 is offical VW P/S fluid or Pentosin CHF-11S (NOT CHF7.1!). "Magic Fluids" like that Transtune should virtually never be used in any car unless it's a heap you are limping along for a little while longer.

 

I suppose it wouldn't hurt, but you would need to watch the concentration with respect to the PS fluid. The transmission contains much more fluid than the power steering system.

Edit - Trans Tune is a product of SeaFoam, which seems to be a popular additive among many of the PassatWorld community. I'm generally skeptical of marvel mystery oil type products, but sometimes they do what they say. For example, I do use Techron fuel additive occasionally.

 

I'm less skeptical about fuel additives, such as Techron which I happen to use as well, than ones that remain in cases, sumps, etc and recycle through a system. Unless of course that additive is to be drained at some point. Not saying that some of these additives don't work as specified.

 

Now I am really confused. CHF 7.1 Mineral based oil is discontinued by Pentosin.

Pentosin - Hydraulic Fluid

 

No matter what the cap says, the following sources seem to think that 11S is the correct fluid:

Pentosin - Hydraulic Fluid <----- I'd think Pentosin would know which cars their fluid is supposed to go in.
Volkswagen Passat B5 FWD 1.8T > Maintenance > Steering
Audi Power Steering Fluid G002000 - Audi Power Steering Fluid G004000

If you call the dealer and ask for the part number for B5 PS Fluid, they'll tell you it's G00 4000. If you check the Pentosin spec sheets avail. here: Pentosin - Hydraulic Fluid , you'll see that 4000 M2 is CHF-202. It's fully compatible with the previous fluid G00 2000, which x-refs to 11S.

FWIW, Blauparts refers to an old VW tech bulletin saying that 7.1 and 11S can be mixed.

 

Apparently, Balupart did not read the side panel on CHF 11S!

FWIW, Blauparts refers to an old VW tech bulletin saying that 7.1 and 11S can be mixed.

 

I have topped up dozens of vehicles wiht 11S that came with 7.1 from the factory. No problems ever.

 

As I, and vbora, said before, and as Pentosin, VW, ecstuning, and pretty much every single online parts dealer will tell you (even those few that still have 7.1 in stock), VW simply forgot to update whatever was printed on the cap. 11S was factory fill for the B5. Always has been. Call up your VW dealer and ask them and they'll give you the a number that x-refs to CHF 202. There won't be any warnings on the bottle, the Bentley, a service bulletin, or anywhere saying you need to flush out the factory fill prior topping off with the only VW steering fluid currently being sold.

And you'd think that Pentosin, who made both the old and the new fluid, would have some idea of the proper applications of their products. And they appear to be pretty consistent in saying that 11S was factory-fill for the B5.

I think the point of the note on the cap is that you are supposed to use hydraulic fluid instead of the ATF or generic P/S fluid that most non-Euro cars take. The note/cap was probably a carry-over from when 7.1 was the factory fill, and nobody ever got around to changing it.

 

Thanks vbora01 ... I just bought a 99 Passat and not sure of how well or what kind of fluids have been used in my car so I am beginning the process of draining and replacing with recommended fluids ... this lets me know what to use for the power steering to make it right.

 

Holly Molly!!!!!

I'm still confused on what to top off with lol

 

Official VW fluid, Pentosin CHF-11S or 202, or Prestone European. Do not use ATF or generic Ps fluid.


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As soon as I put CHF-202, my rack leaked at both ends. I shared my experience with a local VW/Audi specialist and they said not to use 202 in B5s, only CHF-11S. I wouldn't make a rule out of this, as it seems like many use 202 without problems. But ever since rebuilding the rack, I use the official VW fluid only, no leaks.