Date:         Tue, 25 Jan 2005 19:35:25 -0800
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Subject:      Re: Power Steering Woes (longish)
Comments: To: Barry Muller <ekab_muller@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <41F6BBB1.9020906@sbcglobal.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

On 25 Jan 2005 at 16:35, Barry Muller <ekab_muller@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:

> Whilst replacing the radiator I noticed the boots on the PSR had never
> been installed with hose clamps and were. of course hanging uselessly on
> the tie-rods.  I attached them to the rack and hoped for the best.

I'd go to the dealer first, since they screwed up. After the service manager laughs you
out of the dealership, I'd write a letter to VWoA, and maybe the BBB or equivalent
and hope for the best.

> Question 1(a & b):  Did I screw-up by putting dexron III in?  What are
> you using and what is your experience with leaks?

I flushed the system in my '88 when I got it in '96, using Dexron III. Flushed again a
few years later after a line rusted and leaked. No problems ever since, now with 390k
kms on the original rack.

> Q2 (a & b): How bad is it to rebuild the rack with new seals?  Is it
> worth the time/hassle computation, or should I just chalk this up to
> another expensive lesson and buy a rebuild and install it?

It doesn't appear too difficult, but I've never done it myself. If the seals are fairly
cheap, I'd give it a try.

> Q3 (a & B): Did they ever sell the Vanagon in NA with a manual rack?  If
> so, has anyone done the transplant?

I believe all '85 (or '84?) and earlier are manual. I don't know if all '86  ('85?) and up
are power. I suspect maybe panel versions might still have been manual in later
years. Manual also uses a larger steering wheel, and I think different U joint(s).

--
Shawn Wright
I.T. Manager
Shawnigan Lake School