Hi,

 

after months of a PAS problem i decided to change the angle sensor. Following the now archived fabia-vrs instructions...

 

http://web.archive.org/web/20120609034348/http://www.fabia-vrs.com/technical-info/pas-sensor-change

 

...I was expecting it to be a simple swap out procedure however as soon as I had loosened one of the sensor allen bolts hydraulic fluid began leaking out. There is no mention on the fabia-vrs page of needing to drain the fluid  (though to mechanics I accept this may be obvious) so my questions are:-

 

Should it leak fluid or should it be dry?

 

If it is normal is emptying the pump reservoir essential or will only a small amount escape from the sensor socket and not douse me in a litre of PAS fluid

 

If it is not normal and therefore a rack failure could this also be the cause of the steering problem (heavy steering/01290 short to ground)?

 

I'm aware of the multitude of other causes of PAS faults but any advice specifically re this would be welcomed, thanks

It should be dry, it sounds like your rack seals have failed.

I've changed several, and can confirm it should be dry.

oh dear...well, thank you for confirming that..though it is very disappointing as the rack was a reconditioned 2nd replacement for a failed replacement done by a Skoda franchise in 2011....1st replacement lasted 3 months, 2nd one also failed but as I only noticed the failure after 12 months the garage would not replace it again but had it re-conditioned by a 3rd party in 2014...oh well, c'est la vie

 

thanks again for the prompt replies

oh dear...well, thank you for confirming that..though it is very disappointing as the rack was a reconditioned 2nd replacement for a failed replacement done by a Skoda franchise in 2011....1st replacement lasted 3 months, 2nd one also failed but as I only noticed the failure after 12 months the garage would not replace it again but had it re-conditioned by a 3rd party in 2014...oh well, c'est la vie

 

thanks again for the prompt replies

 

Repeated rack seal failure can be caused by bad habits when turning the steering wheel next to a kerb, if the wheel jams against the kerb then the pressure will rise dramatically and can flip the seal.