Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:28:09 -0400
Reply-To: John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Think I have sprung a leak in my powersteering lines! Need
some guidance please.
In-Reply-To: <DABC46E3-A22B-4311-A81A-128947A5DD80@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Robert,
First thing to do is remove your PS belt. You can drive like this till you
get it sorted without trashing the pump by running it empty.
Once sorted bleed the lines by turning the wheel from stop to stop a few
times. This of course with the belt re-installed and the reservoir filled.
John Meeks
'91 Multivan
Northern Michigan
Vanagon Rescue Squad
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm
Radio Call:KC8ZFN
On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 1:06 PM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com>wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> I need some guidance please.
>
> I have a 2.1L Automatic 1988 Wolfsburg. Just rebuilt the engine and
> had all new hoses put on.
>
> Prior to the install the power steering pump had a minor leak, now
> after the rebuild no leak.
>
> 2 days ago in pouring rain I noticed the steering was very stiff. So I
> looked at the ATF fluid in the Power Steering Tank. It was almost
> empty so I filled it.
>
> 10 minutes later it was making noise when trying to turn at slow
> speeds pulling from the parking lot. So I filled again with some Lucas
> Stop leak and topped it off with some more ATF.
>
> Got home and it was empty. So I look today to see if I can see
> anything. I had the lines replaced the fat & thin lines with copper
> ones in 2007 I believe. I am noticing some red fluid around some areas
> of the lines but I can't be sure where its really coming from.
>
> Where are the key areas to look for leaks?
>
> Will it kill my pump if I drive it with some fluid in it that drains
> out over the time of me driving it to get it fixed?
>
> I assume the best thing to do is just replace them with Hydraulic lines?
>
> Walrus from the Samba posted some details on having them custom made
> but I need someone to confirm his data please. He stated they should
> run around $40.
>
> I assume I need to go to hydraulic shop or tractor shop to get them
> made?
>
> Walrus's instructions for building 2 Power Steering lines:
>
> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=147368&highlight=steering+fluid+leak
>
> High Press line
> 11.5' long, two female compression fittings, 16x1.5mm
> Needs to be flex industrial stainless braided rated 4200lb. I.D. is
> 5/16".
> I believe I used 3/8". Connects where metal line junctions with the
> 1.5' section of hose held onto pump with banjo bolt.
>
> Low Press line
> 13' long, Needs to be rated 400lb? 1/2" I believe.
> Connects from Reservoir to rack. I cut the pipe 4 inches from rack and
> connected by sliding hose over pipe and used hose clamps. Other end
> hose clamps to reservoir.
>
> Is this an easy job for one person to do in their backyard?
> How long should it take?
>
> If I brought the lines to a mechanic with a lift how long should it
> take to replace the lines and add the fluid?
>
> Do the lines need to be bled out or anything? A special process for
> testing it and making sure its installed properly?
>
> Thanks,
> Robert
> NY
>
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