[FoBangah]

In a little pinch - I'm a Richmond,VA native but am currently on vaca in Siesta Key, FL. until EARLY Saturday morning.

Took the Beetle out to BG of Tampa for some fam fun and noticed the power steering starting to whine at lower speeds. Checked the reservoir and noticed it was BARELY touching the stick!

I've searched around locally to find a place nearby that would have the CORRECT VW power steering fluid, but the only thing I'm getting is a NOT so helpful place that specializes in VW/Audi/Porsche aftermarket stuff and a small family-owned joint that won't sell me the fluid...but is willing to charge me $30 for the fluid/put it in for me.

So I figured - Why not post up to find a local NB owner that might have enough on hand to top me off to make the 1,100 mile trip back. I'd be willing to bring a little beer/cig/etc money for the trouble, and would be nice to shake hands with a local NB head as well... considering the family vacates here EVERY year around this time.

So if you OR any member you may know of lives in the area that could help out, or maybe at least knows a direction I could head to get the fluid close by, please LMK! Thanks in advance! Cliffs below:

-Dumbass changed his oil before leaving Richmond for vaca in SIESTA KEY FL, but didn't check PS
-Power steering is whining and the fluid is extremely low
-Having trouble finding correct fluid locally, no direct dealer close, only 'specialist' that are unreasonable
-Leaves for 1,100 mile trip home early Sat morning
- Will compensate for trouble

 

[jfoj]

I just check my OE fluid I have and took a smell and it does not seem like typical ATF.

It states not to mix it with anything else??

I would say likely suck it up an pay up the $30, but I would hope that they would give you the complete container.

Otherwise search for Import parts stores in the area as they my likely have the proper stuff. But make sure it is a parts store that specializes in Import cars.

 

[scarabY2k]

There's 2 Tampa Bay orgers that come to mind.

Jason, screen name Severe.
Kristin, screen name Iggy's Mom.

Shoot both of them a PM they should be of great help to you.

Also check out our facebook group, since a lot of folk spend their time there. Click the following: New Beetle "The collective" a newbeetle.org group.

 

[Brutus]

Have you tried Suncoast VW? Bought my beetle there.

Address: 5005 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone: (941) 923-1700
Hours:
Monday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Also.... Joe Hoppen Motorsport?

Address: 6245 Clark Center Ave, Sarasota, FL 34238
Phone: (941) 924-6380

 

[FoBangah]

Have you tried Suncoast VW? Bought my beetle there.

Address: 5005 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone: (941) 923-1700
Hours:
Monday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Also.... Joe Hoppen Motorsport?

Address: 6245 Clark Center Ave, Sarasota, FL 34238
Phone: (941) 924-6380

Suncoast was the first one I was referring to. Said they would call me back, but didn't. Called back and it says they closed at 5pm (called at 6:30). May try the Joe Hoppen place if fellow members thing doesn't work out.

$30 is absurd to pay for topping off fluid... unless said fluid was of precious metal origin.

Thanks for the member name-drops/link to group as well! PM'ing now.

 

[jfoj]

Agree $30 is high, but if the fluid will not mix well, you could likely cause you more than $30 worth of headaches.

I would likely drop in to one of the shops and see if they will help you out for less than $30.

Dropping $30 over the phone tells me they do not need the work!

 

[FoBangah]

..... but if the fluid will not mix well, you could likely cause you more than $30 worth of headaches.
.....

Dropping $30 over the phone tells me they do not need the work!

^the reason why I'm trying to find the CORRECT fluid (VW).

I'm sure you're right about the latter, especially with the "autosport" place.

I've messaged Iggy's mom since shes in Tampa (about an hour from here and on my way out of town). Just waiting to hear back!

Also requested to join the NBF facebook group!

 

[Smileybug]

I'm not super familiar with Florida, but this has a list of mechanics. One of them may have it, or know where you can buy it. http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=130044

The fluid is Pentosin CHF. I think its the 11s. I know its in a green container. I know there is one auto parts store that sells Pentosin coolant...O'Reilly's I think? Or maybe Napa? Wherever sells it may sell the PS fluid too. Just a thought.

 

[Az-DaisEy]

In a little pinch - I'm a Richmond,VA native but am currently on vaca in Siesta Key, FL. until EARLY Saturday morning.

Took the Beetle out to BG of Tampa for some fam fun and noticed the power steering starting to whine at lower speeds. Checked the reservoir and noticed it was BARELY touching the stick!

I've searched around locally to find a place nearby that would have the CORRECT VW power steering fluid, but the only thing I'm getting is a NOT so helpful place that specializes in VW/Audi/Porsche aftermarket stuff and a small family-owned joint that won't sell me the fluid...but is willing to charge me $30 for the fluid/put it in for me.

So I figured - Why not post up to find a local NB owner that might have enough on hand to top me off to make the 1,100 mile trip back. I'd be willing to bring a little beer/cig/etc money for the trouble, and would be nice to shake hands with a local NB head as well... considering the family vacates here EVERY year around this time.

So if you OR any member you may know of lives in the area that could help out, or maybe at least knows a direction I could head to get the fluid close by, please LMK! Thanks in advance! Cliffs below:

-Dumbass changed his oil before leaving Richmond for vaca in SIESTA KEY FL, but didn't check PS
-Power steering is whining and the fluid is extremely low
-Having trouble finding correct fluid locally, no direct dealer close, only 'specialist' that are unreasonable
-Leaves for 1,100 mile trip home early Sat morning
- Will compensate for trouble

If you haven't gotten help yet.... I'm from the Zephyrhills area... The guy's that did my work there, which I dearly miss.. are on Hwy 54.
Ed's Automotive
35549 State Road 54 Zephyrhills, FL 33541

(813) 782-7747

Good guy's and always very fair price wise...maybe they can help.. might be out of your way...

 

[FoBangah]

IggysMom got me squared away! Thanks for all the help peoples!!


(admins can delete)

 

[jfoj]

This is what is great about forums and enthusiast, when we pool the resources, we can be a great assets to each other.

Kudo's to Iggy's Mom!!!

I have no idea what is in the power steering fluid, I actually purchased some for my car, it smells more like hydraulic oil then ATF/mineral oil. Kind of green in color as I recall?

 

[IggysMom]

Glad I could help. Great meeting new beetle peeps. It was the CHF11s pentosen stuff.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App