Date:         Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:09:27 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Power Steering Fluid and lines Questions
Comments: To: Jarrett Anthony Kupcinski <kupcinski@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <83028AF2-8122-4E9A-9FD8-4A23DB7420C8@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

For the most part any ATF fluid will do the job. At some time VW changed the
spec to the same special used in the Audi vehicles to improve cold weather
operation. Any of the synthetic ATF will also have improved cold weather
performance and also offer other improvements. I usually use the Mobil 1
synthetic ATF. Since you are leaking now I would use whatever is available
until the leaks are fixed.

The original steel lines are horribly expensive and I am not sure if they
are even available. There are a number of vendors selling hose kits. O good
local hydraulic shop with access to metric fittings can also help. You may
need to brace/secure the pressure hose in places to avoid weird noises.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jarrett Anthony Kupcinski
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 9:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Power Steering Fluid and lines Questions

I've discovered leaky-ness in my power steering lines and a low fluid level
today. I'll need to do a complete investigation to figure out where the
problem(s) are, but in the meantime I want to top off the fluid reservoir.

I have purchased some Dexron III (H) spec ATF, and I want to make sure this
is acceptable before I pour it in. Can anyone confirm that this is the
correct type of fluid for an 89 Westy?

Also, I know that the lines are going out, and I'm probably looking at
having to do a replacement of the metal lines (and perhaps others). I saw
that Ken over at Vanagain has a replacement hydraulic line set to replace
the metal lines. Does anyone have any experience with line replacement with
this (or other) hydraulic line products? I'd appreciate any advice that can
be given, as I've never worked on the PS system in the van before. Sir
Bentley offers only the vaguest of guidance, unfortunately.

Thanks,

Jarrett
89 Westy, Oly