Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 13:09:36 -0800
Reply-To: Matt Barclay <mbarclay@OPENFBO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Matt Barclay <mbarclay@OPENFBO.COM>
Subject: Replacing the Power Steering Lines
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
A couple weeks ago my power steering pressure line rusted through, so I
bought the replacement hoses from Frank Condelli:
http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hose.htm
Then began the task of removing the old, nasty, rusted lines from my 88
Westy. I began in the engine, removing the return line from the PS pump:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3408
The pressure line gets disconnected below the engine:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3420
Its easier to reach if you remove this engine plate/cover thing:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3418
The first segment of metal PS lines goes from the engine to the fuel tank,
where they link up with another segment that goes to the rack:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3423
The pressure line came loose pretty easily using a wrench, but the hose
clamps on the return line were rusted in place. So I cut the hose that
links to two metal return lines:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3424
Frank recommended that the new hoses follow the radiator lines and go up
the middle of the van. I hope I'm zip tyed to the right hoses:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3429
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3430
The PS lines terminate at the rack:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3436
The return line was a pain to remove, but nothing compared to removing the
damned pressure line from the rack. The coupler was rusted to badly to
the pressure line, that I had to turn the pressure line until it snapped:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3438
The threads on the coupler are shot, so ordered a new on for $27.
I used a jig saw to remove the segment of the return line that connects to
the rack:
http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3440
The new return line hose will clamp to this, so I'll clean it up with some
rust dissolver and sand paper.
As soon as the replacement coupler gets in, I'll be back on the road!!
I am an amateur. This is my first major repair job on a car. So if you
see something that just doesn't look right, *please* let me know. This
job seemed pretty straight forward. The hardest part has been finding the
leverage to turn the old, rusted parts, and having the patience to see it
through.
Regards,
Matt