Power steering and Fuel filter

[poloag]

Hi,

Does the power steering fluid level need to be checked as there is no mention in the book.
Also how often does the fuel filter needs replacing.

Thanks
'63 Polo

[alexperkins]

Fuel filter really every 2 years for best performance

Power steering level should never change as it’s a sealed system and deemed maintenance free

[poloag]

morning and thanks

[RUM4MO]

I'm not trying to contradict Alex's experience, but, and I'm not proud to say this, but I ran my wife's 2002 Polo 1.4 16V SE for 13 years and 105K miles on the original fuel filter, i did buy a new filter/regulator/etc combo and built it up including connector repair kits in case they were required, but never needed or got round to fitting it.

Maybe things have changed, but when I enquired about that filter, my local big VW maindealer would have needed to order one in, same thing when I bought the filter for my 2000 Passat 4Motion 2.8 V6 - when I asked why, I was told that they are not a stocked service item as they only get replaced as and when required!

I think that in fully developed regions of Northern Europe, if you tend to use only the "main" brands of fuel, you will be buying a product that will not be containing any nasties that will clog the fuel filter, so that just leaves the fuel pump and the rest of the system to provide any "bits".

Finally, what I am saying is, don't panic just because you have not replaced that filter but certainly if it makes you feel that you are doing some good, get a genuine filter and fit it making sure that you first know how to disconnect it and maybe prepare yourself with the connectors repair kit if you want to avoid any annoying disruptions to your plan!

[alexperkins]

To add to your high mileage experience, my Audi TT had never had a fuel filter change in its lifetime - 17 years and 200k miles. You should’ve seen the sludge that came out the filter

That said, it still drove ok. A new filter made quite a noticeable difference at peak power though

[RUM4MO]

I just wonder if the current trend/requirement to add bio fuel into the petrol will lead to us really needing to replace these filters at regular period due to "lurgy"(sp?) growing inside them?

When I mentioned that modern fuels "go off" or at least change colour quickly these days, to my daughter who has a DPhil in chemistry she immediately poo poo'd that idea as all fuels by their very nature are "reactive" so are or were never ever "stable", ah well maybe we live and learn - every day can be a school day.

Edit:- sorry Alex, I meant to comment jokingly on your comment on improved top end power after changing the TT's fuel filter - the poor old 2000 BBY engined Polo did not have any top end power, well I never went looking for it, that would be pushing it, too much extra noise. It was a reliable engine though.

[iichel]

There is sometimes a certain growth of algae and other organisms in biofuel (diesel or petrol) since they survive well in this habitat and are able to use the fuel as nutrition.