I read in my Haynes manual that the power steering fluid needs to be a DexronII & to check with the dealer.

Is this same type of dexron II ATF that one puts in the automatic tranny?

I know a few years back I used to use the same fluid for power steering and auto tranny.

thanks for the suggestions-Kelly

 

I think it says right on PS reservoir cap what to use, and I believe it's 11-S.

 

Only use the Pentosin 11-s. The power steering rack and pump are very expensive to replace if used with the wrong fluid.... and they don't count for the $600 core if ATF is used in the rack or pump.

 

Where can I find this type of power steering fluid?

 

BMW or MINI dealers

 

or VW or Audi dealer
or Mercedes
or Porsche
or other sources online.

 

yeah, Pentosin is VERY pricey, what $30/litre or something like that?

When my PS rack had to be replaced, my dealer just gave me a 3/4 full can of Pentosin. Then, my dealer rocks!

 

I stopped by the BMW dealer for the power steering fluid. Funny the parts guy said we don't carry any MINI "stuff". I replied its built by BMW so is it not the same as some other models.

He came out to look at the power steering cap after I had to open the hood for him and show him where the power steering cap was located.

We went back inside he comes out with a 1L can and says $39.00

I left without purchasing it, I will search the vendors for a better price

It is only slightly low, I am probably ok but it would be nice to have it in my stock.

 

We can help if you like.

Pentosin

Ken

 

how many liters would we need ken?

 

1 litre is plenty to fill the system.

Fill the reservoir to the 'Max' mark with the engine off. Turn on engine, slowly turn wheel lock to lock at least twice. Turn off engine and top off if necessary.

Cheers,
Ken

 

I used the Pentosin when I swapped mine out. 1 liter was plenty and I was able to find it at a local mechanic shop that specializes in exotics makes/models. IIRC, I gave around $25 for it.

 

My Audi dealer charged $25 / litre, IIRC

Same exact stuff, BTW.

 

$39 a liter? Which estate was it bottled at, and what was the vintage?

 

Oh you guys, I had purchased that fluid online for 12 bucks give take a few cents...so i was waiting for it by mail. Thing was that yesterday I'm at work and I was reading about power steering etc. And how the people experience tightned to no turning etc. Well that happened to me yesterday morning so i was like "oh crap time to check it" so i go out on my break and check my fluid, absolutely nothing marked on that marker down tubie thing attached to the top so I looked inside and i saw my little reflection WAY down I was like "OH crap" I wasn't gonna drive on it and then get my pump dry and everything else so I read here someone got it from an audi dealer...well i called the only audi dealer that was close to my job and they sold it in the Blue Mercedes can for 37.00 bucks!! I was like" wtfreak"

I had no choice though, can't leave it here, snow is coming, plows are gonna come and who knows because of where i was parked my mini could of been covered with snow...

Anyway long story short, I told the guy im extremely low and needed it right away...who knows maybe i shouldn't of said that? I was thinking but they guy here got it for 25 bucks! Eh whatever, it was an emergency and i needed to travel an hour from home that night somewhere....

At least i'll have some in stock now lol

 

Caution, some of the non-MINI/BMW makes have started substituting the Pentosin CHF 202 in place of the CHF 11S. These fluids have very 'similar' specifications, but the CHF has slightly higher spec's. Since the CHF 11S is still available - my conservative nature says to stick with the CHF 11S.

Ken

 

did you buy it from the dealer and try it? Oh boy now that's got me worried! i'll check the temps and stuff on the bottle vs the chf 11s i bought online for the mini see if they are the same....

 

Didn't mean to cause a panic - the differences are very small. See for yourself:

Pentosin CHF11S

Pentosin CHF202

Ken

 

yea i found the fluid at most euro import part shops....goes for 12-20 dollars a litre....every couple thousand miles i suck the fluid out of the canister and replace....here is a good idea...the fluid is green for those who havent seen it....if u check and the fluid is NOT green...replace lol...

 

I have a bottle of Pentoshin chf 11s and continually having to top up,there is a slow leak from the hose to the tank due to some silly looking clamps,can regular hose clamps solve this problem?or whats the fix!Worse yet could this be a potential fire hazard?

 

i'm glad i took the time to read this thread. noticed i was low the other day and was just gonna add whatever power steering fluid i had handy. luckily i was out. where's the cheapest place to buy if the import store is too high?

 

Well my friend where i come from it's the BMW-Mini dealer or nothing.Putting any old fluid in there could cost you much much more while finding yourself at the same counter for another reason,i'd just go and buy a bottle and call it quits.

 

As the correct fluid has been recommended already, I would hate to see you use ATF in your steering system. That has "friction modifiers" that will probably wear everything out, so don't do that under any circumstances.

 

NAPA has "that foreign stuff" for $21.00. not a bad price for what i can tell. they usually always have a good supply of mini filters and parts too.

 

$22 at NAPA auto parts. They carried both types. I needed to top-off.

Had a leak and lost some fluid....then it stopped. It's been about a week.....any ideas??