Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2012 11:09:10 -0400
Reply-To: Bill M <billmonk@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bill M <billmonk@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: power steering
In-Reply-To: <CAArYBE78zZLpXDuYajFc4kQcVOfGiFGML4TCsztPf2mJW8=WtQ@mail.gmail.com>
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Your supposed to use ATF in the steering not power-steering
fluid. Here is a quote from a reply on thesamba.com. A direct
link if it don't come through readable.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=391468
Quote:
Viscosity and temp performance are fine, but the PS fluid may attack the rack seals. In many older vehicles, this was the case. It is something that would take some time and exposure, so flushing now would probably avoid damage.
There is a filter disc in the reservoir (see Bentley p.48.7). It should also be replaced when you flush out the system.
To get the old fluid out, I would first drain out as much fluid as possible, refill and pressurise with clean ATF, and drain that again. After that I would replace the filter and refill again with clean ATF. The whole system capacity is 1.3 qts., so you're not talking about a huge amount of oil to do a double flush. The correct ATF is Dexron, not FLM.
Be careful while doing this to never run the engine with a dry pump. Vane-impeller pumps must be filled with fluid or they will gall and be damaged very quickly.
Undo both banjo fittings at the pump and lower them so they drain. Also undo the return line where the rubber hose from the reservoir attaches to the hardline at the right of the engine bay and lower it. Take off the pump belt, and spin the pump by hand to help empty it.
Undo both fittings at the steering rack pinion valve housing. Lower the lines so they drain. Work the steering from stop to stop several times, as it will force fluid out of the open fitting ports. You could elevate the rear of the van to drain more fluid out of the long lines.
Seal everything back up and fill the pump reservoir with clean ATF. Replace the belt. Start the motor very briefly and stop it. Refill the reservoir. Do this several times until the fluid level doesn't drop after a quick start/stop (no more than 2-3 seconds running). To air-purge the system, idle the motor while cranking the steering stop to stop at least 3 cycles. Always keep fluid in the reservoir.
One drain/refill may be enough, if you feel that you got most of the fluid out, but if you want to be sure, then repeat the drain/refill and purge.
Bill
On Jul 9, 2012, at 10:37 AM, Gab and Em <shoesandbikes@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> POWER STEERING is disconnected as of last night because of the PS fluid
> flood on my driveway front and back of the van. Wasn't leaking visibly but
> the reservoir was low. Topped it up with Lucas PS Fluid with Conditioners
> and it packed up front and back -- torrent of fluid on my driveway.)
>
>
> HOW LONG CAN I DRIVE ON MANUAL STEERING???
>
>
> -Do I need a new rack and pump?
> -Recommendations?
> -Can I trust Canadian Tire?
> -Should I change out the hoses while I am at it?
> -Hoses from http://www.frankcondelli.com/hose.htm ? Anyone know of Frank?
> (Seems like a nice guy on his website.) Does his idea seem good?
> Reasonable price?
>
>
>
> Gabby
> sigh
