Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 20:27:41 -0800
Reply-To: Michael Rule <manikmike@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Michael Rule <manikmike@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: power steering failure......help and opinions please
In-Reply-To: <20041124034624.93218.qmail@web11307.mail.yahoo.com>
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Joe-
Happy to help, if I am.
I'm CC'ing the List- since they are smarter than I, and +/- comments on my trouble-shooting are to your advantage.
Last message of evening, or my woman will kick me arse****, and perhaps threaten yours!
All my opinion only, given what I know-
Best route- get under yer van- mop up the undercarriage where it appears to be leaking (I believe you said by the rack up front)- buy some blue "shop" papertowels, soak those critters silly*!
*Environmentally Friendly Disclaimer* dispose of those critters responsibly!
Then- before starting the van- squeeze the boots that flank the PSrack- if PSfluid squirts out, then its pretty likely the seals of the PSrack are poop**.
**Environmentally Friendly Curses**
But- doublecheck!
Add fluid to the pump, start the van (!!No Need To Drive and Leak!!) and crank the wheel(s) back and forth a few times. Shut down, look underneath for fluid... the hoses to the rack are obvious- look*** for leaks along the hoses, at the connections to the rack etc... it should be pretty clear (the leak, not the fluid leaking, sorry, being wise-buttocks****) where the problem is.
***Eye protection recommended.. cuz any oily fluid on the eyeball is just not so very fun.
****Environmentally Friendly Horse-Crossed-With-Donkey Curse
By the By- it's helpful to replace the tie-rod ends when replace/ pulling the steering rack... cheap bits- but alignment is another consideration. It's not difficult to keep yours relatively straight, but you'll likely need a shop for proper alignment.
Cheers,
Mike
Joe Lin <joeminglin@yahoo.com> wrote:
an 87 wolf. if it is the rack, i think i might just get a rebuilt one and maybe some replacement lines....http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hose.htm. what are your thoughts about the hoses?
thanks for your help
Michael Rule <manikmike@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Joe,
Below, probably more info than you want, sorry!
The rebuilt rack that died was installed in van previous to my purchase- have not rebuilt it myself... yet. It doesn't sound too difficult, but I enjoy diving into unknown mech stuff. If I recall, the only real specialized tool was for clips holding some seals... but I haven't looked at the info in awhile.
I threw in the manual rack as a convenient salve; I had an engine and tranny transplant (just finishing) to insure my Xmas holiday travels up to New England.
I have some files archived at home- I'll send them as soon as I have a chance to find them... I'll dig tomorrow.
Search the archives too- the List is full of people smarter than me!
Also- I don't remember the year of your van... could be important.
For what it's worth-
My opinion without more info:
If you're concerned about your mech ability yet want to save cash (I know, like there is someone here who doesn't), order a rebuilt from one of the List vendors (or a fav you have) and between the List's SuperSmart People and my recent experience, the replacement will be a piece of cake. Messy tho, but not too difficult.
Regarding rebuild:
If you have the time, someone out there (List) has done it; ask specifically, and search the archives for powersteering rack rebuilds.
Holler if you think I can help.
Mike
Joe Lin <joeminglin@yahoo.com> wrote:
how difficult was it to rebuild the PS rack? any specialized tools?
thanks for the advice.
Michael Rule <manikmike@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Joe,
opinions may somewhat vary-
but in my case-
my rebuilt rack blew out suddenly, badly-
replaced suspect hose, refilled PS pump, drove about 50yds with "normal" PSteering as it leaked out, PSteering got that "choppy feeeling"-
realized suspect hose had alibi and was cleared of the crime, disconnected the pump (which was nearly empty again) and drove with PSrack "as was" (that is, not filled, near empty, belt removed) for nearly one month without any issues regarding suspension... nothing came loose, fell apart etc... if that's what you are thinking.
Tough steering (tougher than the manual steering with a PS steering wheel), but I've always wanted Popeye forearms, and cans of spinach for nervous snacks weren't cutting it.
Additionally, I then pulled PS rack and threw in a manual as I had access to one, until I have the time to learn how to rebuild the PS (kits are available; instruction in List archives). PS Rack boots FILLED with fluid upon removal, guessing PSrack seals don't have alibi for that evening.
Cheers,
Mike
Joe Lin <joeminglin@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
so if i did remove the belt, what issues/dangers/problems might i encounter if i drive the van around. i mean something is leaking so.........?????
thanks
Mike Collum wrote:
Your leak could be a from a hose or line but more than likely it's from the
steering rack. You'll have to inspect to be sure.
I would remove the power steering belt from the pump until the problem is
fixed else you'll ruin the pump due to lack of fluid.
As to the Subaru questions ... I can't help you there, but my best guess
would be that you'd use the Subaru's pump and brackets.
Mike
> Help all,
>
> Was parallel parking my van, cranked the wheel all the way and I lost my
> power steering(engine sputtered a bit and i slowly lost power steering
> ability). after getting home I inspected the pump, no leaks, hoses look
> ok. The fluid was below the minimum mark and was making a sucking noise
> while the engine was running (tells me that the pump is ok, I think).
> after i parked the van in the garage, i noticed a large spot on the ground
> around where the steering rack would be. it was dark out by then and
> didnt feel like crawiling under the van.
>
> So some questions that I have for you all:
>
> What is a possible failure point underneath the vehicle?
> How do I know the pump is still good?
> Is it the rack it-self or could it be a hose/connector?
> Did my cranking the wheel all the way casue a burst in a line? or a
> better question, does cranking the wheel all the way cause any extra
> pressure in the PS system.
> I eventually want to do a EJ2.2 swap and was wondering if the PS pump is
> used from the Wasserboxer or do you use the subaru PS pump? dont know if
> I should invest in a new/rebuilt unit?
>
> Thanks in advance.
> Joe
>
>
>
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