Date:         Thu, 8 May 2003 19:20:43 -0700
Reply-To:     zampano <matthias.k@ATTBI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         zampano <matthias.k@ATTBI.COM>
Subject:      Re: power steering rack
Comments: To: Themervino@CS.COM
In-Reply-To:  <13.1c646cd8.2bec4ef2@cs.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Hi,

I had the same problem on my 84 Wolfy 2 months ago. I darted over to
AutoZone (yes, the dreaded) and ordered one of their rebuilds with
lifetime warranty. I think it was about $230.00, plus around $100.00
core charge, which they'll refund you once you bring them the old rack.
Included everything except the tie rod ends. I got those new, also, but
not from AutoZone. Don't know if they can get them, but probably. Might
be a PITA to reuse the old ones on yours also, since the bolts got
stuck pretty tight over the years and since the rubber on the ball
joint was brittle anyways, I went for new ones.
The job is fairly easy and will take you two hours at the most. Raise
the front up, you can leave the wheels on. Easier if you remove the
spare tire and carrier hardware. Four bolts that hold the rack to the
frame, and the tie rod bolts. You can either hammer those out or use a
puller clamp. There's a u-joint that connect to the steering column.
Loosen that bolt enough and then pry it open by inserting a flat head.
Remember the number of threads on the tie rod ends and you might not
need alignment. I got it aligned at a tire shop since I got new tires
also. Your steering wheel might be off center after, unless you fiddle
around with it, or get it aligned. Keep the area clean, where you
detach the power steering fluid supply/return hoses. Once installed,
fill the power steering reservoir and with the engine running, turn the
steering wheel in both directions until stop. Bob's yer uncle.
Works fine so far.

Cheers


m
On Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 05:23  PM, Mervyn Readman wrote:

>  I have a leaking power steering rack and was thinking about getting a
> seal
> kit and trying to fix it myself. Does anyone have any imput on how
> difficult
> this is or any wise words on what to do or not to do to make it
> easier. I
> have never done this before and Bently only covers a little on this.
> Any
> thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks Merv.
>