Date:         Mon, 5 Nov 2001 09:08:40 EST
Reply-To:     KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Subject:      Re: Rebuilding a steering rack for an 81 vanagon
Comments: To: puzerewski@MSN.COM
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

In a message dated 11/4/2001 7:45:58 PM Eastern Standard Time,
puzerewski@MSN.COM writes:


> Volks,
> I have replaced everything in the front end ofmy 81 (the brick) and when I
> go over a bump in the road, etc., there is a hell of a rattle under the
> front end and i feel it in my steering.......thus i feel it may be the rack.
>
> I see bus depot has a repair kit for $89.99 vs. $300 plus for a newly
> rebuilt unit.  I have had one of these off the car before, and it does not
> look all that complex.....my question is, what would said kit/rebuild
> entail?
>

Adam, here are some things to consider.  The $89.99 kit is actually for a
power steering rack (I don't thing there is a kit for the manual rack, at
least I have never heard of one).  So you have a manual rack in your '81
right?  So rebuilding it is probably out of the question unless you want to
take it apart and then do some fabrication.  I have new manual racks (ZF) for
$300 if you wanted one of those.  Another thing to check would be to check
the rack bushings.  Many times these are worn out and cause some play in the
rack.  Just jack up the front end on both sides and while you are looking at
the rack, have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth.  If you see
the whole rack moving then it is time for new bushings.  These are only $6
each (4 per rack) and can be easily removed and installed with the rack still
in the car.  I hope this helps you.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: (856)-765-1583
Fax: (856)-327-2242

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