Or you may want to try synthetic ATF, which meets Dexron III. I've been
using it for 5 years or so with good success. Not for the cold (it doesn't get
that cold here), but to preserve the expensive rack & pump. A clogged
filter could also lead to more back pressure in cold weather, so cleaning
the filter (in the reservoir) when checking/changing fluid is a good idea...

> Be sure your hydraulic fluid is is very "fluid" at those temps. It could
> be that someone has put something else in there in the past that was not
> proper. It should be Dexron II or III ATF. Red in appearance. It will
> remain very thin even when cold. Other things will become more viscous
> in the cold.
>
> Also be sure all your belts have the proper tension. Cold tends to make
> them screech during and shortly after startup. Pressing a parafin block
> against them while they are running helps witrh the noise, but they must
> have the right tension.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
> Paul Holmquist wrote:
>
> >Hello all,
> >
> >This is my first winter with the van.  Actually as a So Cal transplant in
> >western NY it's my first 'real' winter.  Lot's to learn.  I noticed that now
> >that temperatures are getting low (10 and below), there is a howl from the
> >back when starting up that seems to be coming from the power steering pump.
> >I was thinking it was shot, but is this just cold weather complaining?  Is
> >any damage being done?  Are there any other cold weather sounds to look out
> >for, or not to worry about?  Thanks in advance.
> >
> >Paul Holmquist
> >Alfred, NY
> >
> >'86 Wolfsburg Weekender
> >
> >
> >on 1/16/04 7:53 AM, Eric Zeno at vw4x4@FYI.NET wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >>3 deg. F here in PGH. PA  .... THe Syncro thought it was summer,
> >>except the PS pump was crying.   I can't wait to try my inline
> >>4 cyl. swap. Syncro, and see how it will run.
> >>ERic
> >>
> >>John P. Flaherty wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >---
> >[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Information Boulevard's Virus Scanning]
> >
> >
> >
>

--
Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
'88 Westy 375k
'85 Jetta D 263k
'85 Jetta TD 482k (retired)
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