Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 21:11:10 -0400
Reply-To: Bill Monk <billmonk@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bill Monk <billmonk@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: power steering groan
In-Reply-To: <0MTC00E6DGW86WA0@vms173005.mailsrvcs.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
They provide a much nicer rebuild than Mavel does and I believe is much smaller company. Plus they will rebuild your rack if you request
and omit the inner tie rods so you can out on new. Most rebuilt racks
come used cleaned and re-lubed inners.
Don't forget to remove the adapters where the hoses attach to on the rack if you send in your core before installing the new one.
While the Jorgensen racks are nice the Mavel rebuilds from Busdepot
are not by any means a bad product. I think Ron has the lowest core
charge and if you call your order in requesting it to be expedited would
be the quickest solution. Might even be a drop shipped item. I have gotten them in just a couple days. Plus it carries a lifetime warranty.
In the mean time if you can't keep the fluid level up your would be
smart to remove the belt. If I recall its possible to just use a belt to
drive the alternator and water pump off the crank. Don't recall if you need a shorter non powersteering van belt. Its been awhile. It will
require more effort to steer but you don't want to run the pump dry.
Sent from imy iPhone
On Sep 18, 2013, at 7:22 PM, Project Pat <psdooley@VERIZON.NET> wrote:
> Jorgen is recommended for rebuilt racks on the Audi list.
> Looks like they may carry Vanagon racks too.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Stephen Grisanti
> Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 6:34 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: power steering groan
>
> The '87 Westy has been going along with no problems, but I recently noticed
> a groan when turning the steering wheel off center, then it would quiet
> again when straight. I discovered that the fluid was down to the MIN mark
> so topped it off, but about 100 miles later the noise returned and the fluid
> had dropped again. Looks like some seepage around the hoses on the
> reservoir but not enough to account for that loss so I crawled under and
> found on the passenger side of the rack a crusty and torn boot, and the wet
> shiny metal of the rack and some drips. I expect the other side is not much
> better but nothing obvious.
>
> Can the rack be rebuilt or must I buy a new one? Is it safe to drive
> meanwhile or do I risk damaging something of the fluid gets too low?
> Thanks!
>
> Stephen
