Date: Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:47:50 -0400
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 line question
In-Reply-To: <3B9375B148834407BCE9FA64672138A6@troyb5bff49d63>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
The original installation was two pieces for each of the power steering
lines. The return line used that hose and clamps for the splice. It can be
replaced with a piece of any oil rated hose. Normal ATF can be used for the
power steering fluid although at one time VW changed the spec to the same
special fluid used in the Audis to improve cold weather operation. A
synthetic ATF will have almost the same benefits at a fraction of the
special stuff cost. There is a replaceable filter in the bottom of the power
steering reservoir.
Like any fluid the power steering fluid absorbs moisture and dirt from
outside and overtime use some of its properties. Power steering and brake
fluid should be flushed-changed every few years.
That small wetness may not be the real leak. Look carefully at the rack and
check the boots. A lot of fluid can stay in the boots. Anything in there is
a problem.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Troy
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2011 5:22 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Power steering line question
I was poking my head under the van this evening looking at what kind of
access I had to the wire from the alternator to the starter that I want to
change, and noticed what looked to be a leak in a power steering line as I
was sliding out from under the van.
So, a couple of questions. Please take a look at the photo here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9769028@N07/6087894375/in/set-72157627535777542
/
There are 2 lines that parallel the fuel line close to the fuel tank, which
I believe are power steering lines. The 2nd photo shows a piece of hose that
is clamped to the line, (kind of hidden behind the gas prefilter) and
wondering if that's supposed to be there or if somebody patched the rigid
tubing once upon a time.
I see that my power steering fluid is a bit low, so I'm guessing this is
where it's been leaking. Is another piece of high-pressure hose okay to
patch this or how does one approach this kind of repair? For the
short-term, I may just tighen up the clamps a bit, but guessing somebody
patched this once upon a time.
By the way, do I use standard automatic transmission fluid to top the power
steering fluid level? I don't think I've had to top off power steering fluid
for about 15 years?
I'm definitely out of my leauge on this one.
Troy