Date:         Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:48:02 +0000
Reply-To:     ckelmo1@COMCAST.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Cecil Eastman <ckelmo1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      PS Hose kit - a cautionary tale

To those of us with Power Steering-

If you're thinking about purchasing a Power Steering Hose Replacement Kit from one of our vendors (I know of two that sell what seems to be the same kit) please beware:  I believe that the low-pressure hose provided as part of the kit is too short.

I received 11.5 ft of low-pressure hose that I struggled to make fit.  I followed the directions religiously, but found that I had to really stretch the hose to make it all the way from the PS unit in front to the PS reservoir in the engine compartment.  And this didn't work out so well:  the hose retracted when I wasn't looking and ended up getting sawn open as it rubbed against the PS belt pulley as I was tooling down the road.  White smoke and loss of power assist ensued, as well as a really gooey engine compartment.

So check the length of the low-pressure hose before beginning.  Even using the shortest route possible, I believe (IMHO) you'll need a minimum of 12.5 feet (I used 13 ft when I replaced the hose) in order to avoid my fate.  In case anyone cares, both bus and pilot are now doing fine.

Beyond that, the rest of the kit is spot on and will indeed solve those leaking pipe problems.  Pay close attention to the instructions in the Holy Bentley for bleeding the PS system; it's very easy and works beautifully.

Cecil
'85 Westy
Der BrotKasten