Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:29:38 +0000
Reply-To:     ckelmo1@COMCAST.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Cecil Eastman <ckelmo1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Pwr Strg Hose replacements

O Great Ones,

I bought hoses to replace the long metal lines in my power steering system.  But unfortunately I didn't receive instructions from the vendor, a good one who's on this list, so I'm in the dark as to how to proceed.  Part of my problem is that these replacements are not OE as they're rubber (separate high- and low-pressure hoses) and it's not obvious (to me at least) exactly how they should be installed.

1.  According to the Holy Bentley, the high pressure line is supposed to hold up to 1700 psi "when at idle".  Is there pressure in this line when the engine is off?  Is there a special procedure I should use to safely open and remove this line?
2.  I can't tell which line is which at the PS unit on the steering rack: both connections are identical and I lose the trace when the lines go over the gas tank.  Which line is high-pressure, which one low?
3.  Is there a method to use to route the new hoses over the gas tank or do I have to drop the tank?

As always, thanks for any assistance.

Cecil
'85 Westy
"Der BrotKasten"