I realise that there have been a number of threads on this already, and they have been some help but I hope you won't mind me starting another.

Fabia 1.4, W Reg. Steering gone very heavy. None of the headlight flicker problems I've read about and no warning lights on. Checked the reservoir (thanks to whoever did the 'how to' on that), and it's empty. Missing bolts in the battery case suggest that somebody else has been in there before so I assume it's not a new problem.

Is there any point filling it up again and seeing how it goes, or should I really be trying to find the underlying problem (presumably a leak somewhere in the pump or rack). Yes - I know the answer to that, but thought it might be worth an ask.

Could somebody kindly point out the likely fail points for me to check ?

I've also read comments on here that suggest obly VW's own fluid should be used. Is that a hard-and-fast rule, because I'd like to work on this tomorrow (Sunday) and would have to get some from Halfords.

Thanks for your help.

Reg

Edited 24 October, 200916 yr by Reg H
To change something

check the rack gaitors, they could be full of fluid if the rack has failed internally