Date:         Thu, 7 Jun 2001 11:11:00 -0700
Reply-To:     STEPHENS Colin <cstephens@CI.SPRINGFIELD.OR.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         STEPHENS Colin <cstephens@CI.SPRINGFIELD.OR.US>
Subject:      Power steering leak
Content-Type: text/plain

Hi:
This is my first posting to the list.  I've perused the site archives in the
past which I have found helpful in fixing some of my mechanical worries.
I've
just experienced another and I thought it time to buck up and join in the
discussions myself.  So here goes...

My 86 GL 2.1L has developed a pin-hole leak in the high pressure power
steering line in the engine compartment.  This is the one that comes out of
the top of the power steering pump.  The leak is in the flexible rubber hose
not far from the pump, not in the metal tubing.  I've read that the pressure
in this end of the steering circuit can be 1400 lbs so even a pin-hole can
squirt quite a bit of fluid.  A price quote for the part came in at $250.00
from the dealer.  Accordingly, I've got it patched up with a piece of
bicycle
tube and some hose clamps.  Needless to say, I'm not putting much faith in
this patch.

My question is twofold:  Does anyone have a good method of permanently
patching this hose? Or, since I live in Eugene, Oregon where junked Vanagons
get picked over quickly, are there other models of VWs that used this same
part that I may check for at my local junkyard?

Thanks for the help.

Colin
86 Vanagon GL