Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:17:21 -0400
Reply-To: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: power steering rack leaking
In-Reply-To: <000d01c7f88c$fb222fa0$6800a8c0@owner998c7c609>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
George,
The seal kit has been discontinued as of just a couple of months ago so
probably folks still have it on their sites that don't know this or they
may still have a few kits on the shelf. However I have never seen any
instructions on how to rebuild one of these yourself and it is also
problematic as to what to do if you have pitted or rusted rams on the
rack (the normal reason they fail, since the rust causes the seals to
fail). How do you repair this without machining?
So a rebuilt rack is the way to go in my opinion. I sell both the Maval
rack and the ZF. The Maval is cheaper but has a core charge. The ZF is
more expensive but this is the OE supplier for the rack (the original
manufacturer of the rack) and it doesn't require a core (yay!). I have
had good luck with the Maval racks in the past, although I would imagine
the ZF ones are better quality. The Maval racks come with tie rods and
boots already installed. The ZF rack is just a bare rack with nothing
on it so you will want to also buy a set of boots, bushings and perhaps
even some tie rods if yours are worn at all. You need to also replace
your power steering filter (in the reservoir) and be sure to only use
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Dexron/Mercon in the system. Don't
use power steering fluid in the power steering system of your Vanagon!
Doing so can kill the seals and cause the rack and pump to fail. If you
look in your owners manual or on the cap of the system you will see this
noted, however most folks just go to the parts store and buy a bottle of
power steering fluid when they are low. It brings a tear to my eye ;-0
to think of it.
I hope this helps you.
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
George Thorburn wrote:
>oh oh!
>There is a new puddle on the garage floor.
>The oil appears to be coming from the right end of the power steering rack.
>If I remember correctly the quick fix is to take the belt off the power steering pump until the rack is repaired.
>The list vendors show new and rebuilt racks for sale as well as kits with new seals. How hard is it to replace the seals and is this a good fix? Could other problems like wear on the moving parts be causing the leak? Should I just pay extra and put in a rebuilt rack? Are the any rebuild brands that I should avoid?
>Thanks,
>George
>'85 Westfalia
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