In a message dated 3/10/00 4:18:32 AM Pacific Standard Time, mccomas@SHORE.INTERCOM.NET writes: << I've got a lead on a 1987 Vanagon for sale. Final straw (fem. driver going ballistic) was failure of the power steering. Anyone have experience fixing P/S in this case? I don't know at this point whether it is a pump, hose, or rack problem. My local boneyard has some BMW 3-series where I might get a usable pump..? And the local Kubota tractor guy is very helpful in making hoses. The rack would be another question. Any comments??? >> Hi Glenn, Before you go out and start replacing parts, check to make sure that there is a belt in there. If there is, check to make sure that it is nice and tight. Next, put fluid in the reservoir to the top mark. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to make sure that all the air is purged from the system. If the power steering starts working then the pump is probably good. Check for leaks under the rack. I bought an 87 which the owner drove without PS fluid for 2 years. After refilling the reservoir, I discovered that the pump is still good but the rack was leaking. Check with list vendors for rebuilt units. I got mine used but recently rebuilt by ZF for $125 from a friendly local VW shop. I found prices ranging from $500-$1000 with exchange for rebuilt racks. BMW racks have different mounting points. I'm looking at both racks at this moment and know that for a fact. I'm not sure about the pump. Kubota tractor parts? Puleez. Obviously, if you find a leak, repair it. It'll be either a hose , the rack or at the pump. It took me just a tick under 3 hours to replace my rack. Take into considering that I have less than average mechanical ability. Make sure you have the vehicle aligned after. BenT San Francisco |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.