Date:         Wed, 24 Jun 1998 14:23:35 -0400
Reply-To:     Mark Schrope <mschrope@VIMS.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Schrope <mschrope@VIMS.EDU>
Subject:      power-steering fluid
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I know that there is information on this in the archives, but it seemed a
bit confusing and I was hoping to confirm a few things.  I want to change
the power-steering fluid in my 89.  Both the Haynes and Bentley and the
manual say to use ATF Dexron III.  But, from what I can gather this is not
the case.  Several posts in the archives are from people with newer
Vanagons who flushed and put in ATF and had their rack seals go bad.  From
what I can gather, then, only earlier Vanagons (I'm not sure what year the
switch was) use the ATF.  Newer ones, including mine must, despite the
manuals, use Pentosin (CF-11 or CF-7) or compatible fluid (Castrol GT?).  I
will check the color and smell of the old fluid when I get it opened up
(red/sweet smeling for ATF, brown to brownish-green for newer Pentosin),
but I was wondering if anyone out there has definitive information on the
matter?  Also any testimonials of living happily ever after with a fluid
change (what type, brand, etc.) would be helpful to confirm.  Thanks

Mark
'89 Wolfsburg



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Mark Schrope
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
PO Box 1346
Route 1208, Greate Road
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
(804)684-7220 [office]   (804)684-7675 or 7007    [labs]
(804)684-7250 [fax]
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