Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (April 2002, week 1)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Mon, 1 Apr 2002 10:18:12 -0700
Reply-To:     Nancy Eilers-Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Nancy Eilers-Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Leaking steering rack
Comments: To: Dietmar Schlei <dschlei@PRESSENTER.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hey Dietmar,

You need to install a rebuilt rack and pinion unit. You could, of course buy a rebuild kit and do it yourself, but personally I've found that to be a real hit-and-miss proposition.

I replaced the one in my '86 about 6 years ago with a rebuilt from Autozone (pretty cheap, and lifetime warranty). They're also available from online stores like Busdepot, Vanagain, etc. It's a pretty easy job, but I'd suggest replacing the tie rod ends while you're at it, then have it aligned when done (you *can* reinstall the existing tie rod ends and skip the alignment if you're *really* careful about accurately measuring tie rod length before disassembly, but nothing eats tires faster than having the toe-in out of spec., so keep that in mind).

Once installed, I simply turned the wheels back and forth, from stop to stop (with the front end jacked up to minimize loading) until all the air bled from the system. Been working fine for 70K.

Good luck,

Keith Hughes

Dietmar Schlei wrote: > > I am new to a VW with power steering (who would ever believe that there is > something like a VW with power steering!). I have a 85 Vanagon that leaks > fluid out of both ends of the steering bellows. Any suggestions out there > about the best way to fix this? > > The steering itself seems to be OK, goes very smooth and even, no excessive > play or rattle, just the darn fluid dripping out and making ugly spots on > my driveway! > > As always, any suggestions are welcome! > > Dietmar Schlei


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived.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.