Hi - multivan battery and power steering pump

[Markvl]

Hi all,

i have a 6 speed manual 2007 VW multivan tdi 4 motion and love it. It's got about 120k on the clock and I just had a major service at Barlow world on Nepean hwy morabbin.

Two things came up :
1. The battery isn't holding its charge well and they wanted 480 for a new battery which I thought was a bit pricy but wanted to check.
2. The big ticket item to come is apparently the power steering pump has engine oil leaking into it and we need to get another one which is about 1800 for the part and another 1200 for labor. No idea here at all if there's any other options that are cheaper. The mechanic said he hadn't seen it before in the 5 years he's been there.

any advice on the above would be welcome, I'm going to do the ring around for a battery myself tomorrow and fit it (presume it's not rocket science to put it in).

cheers
mark

[Markvl]

Ops , sorry moderators just read the second paragraph to newbies re waiting until second post to launch into questions, my apologies.

[Umai Naa!!]

Have seen the power steer pumps fail before.

Given the price, I'd say the dealership is doing a thorough job on it, replacing the pump, freewheel clutch hub and freewheel coupling on it, as well as flushing the power steering system with new oil. It is a bit labour-intensive, as the front of the vehilce needs to be placed in the 'service' position to access the pump.

[Markvl]

Thanks for the information Umai, if the pump fails what happens ? Eg can't drive it and need to be towed or can it be driven to a station ? Is it really something v urgent to get done and I shouldn't dilly dally ? As Iv got to save the up he $ to get the work done which may take a few weeks.

[Umai Naa!!]

Might be worth looking into having an independant VW specialist look at it, if you're trying to save money.

Personally, I wouldn't drive it. Particularly if the pump bearings have collapsed, causing the seal to chew out.

If it were mine, I'd replace the pump, flush the system, change the engine oil and filter, and call it a day at that. I can't imagine the coupling would have too much wear in it at 120K.

Punch in 7H0422153A on eBay (include description in your search). The pumps are surprisingly cheap, and seem to include the free-wheeling hub at least.

[Markvl]

Hi Umai,
I spoke to them today and you are right it's all the extra items they are doing inc flywheel etc as per your first post. They've sharpened the pencil and taken 200 off the job which is great and will provide a courtesy car so am getting it done tomorrow as my wife's using the vehicle to go away for the weekend and want it sorted. Thanks again for your help.
Cheers
Mark