Date:         Sun, 28 Aug 2011 01:22:15 -0800
Reply-To:     Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject:      Power steering line question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

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