Date:         Wed, 10 Feb 1999 09:41:08 EST
Reply-To:     vmontgo32@JUNO.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Victor Montgomery <vmontgo32@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Power Steering Line
Comments: To: vw4x4@FYI.NET

If the power steering pressure is 1400 psi one would not want to use a
hose rated at 300 - 500 psi.

Victor...

On Tue, 9 Feb 1999 07:41:32 -0500 EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET> writes:
>   Frank,
>     I would like to warn you that the PS in the Vanagon runs
>at extreme pressures. I think  if my memory is correct it is
>about 1400 lb's. I wonder if this number was in metrics (bar scale)
>If correct, many hoses can not withstand that pressure, (at that
>price).
>Thats why VW put metal lines in for this purpose. They are also
>lighter and easier to work with at the factory. I would like to
>see a plastic replacement, like the new AC lines, found in new cars.
>AC rubber hose is also very espensive because it runs 300-500 lb's.
>
>            Eric                   86-VW4x4
>            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
>            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
>
>
>On Tue, 9 Feb 1999, Frank Condelli wrote:
>
>> I had a problem with my power steering line on my '87 Westy and have
>come
>> up with an inexpensive cure you all need to know about.  The metal
>lines
>> coming from the power steering pump to the first connection about
>mid way
>> back to front under the van is subject to rusting through.  Mine
>started
>> to leak  from many different spots.  The only place I could find a
>> replacement was at the dealer and the price was $275.00 CND.  Well,
>that
>> was bit much for a steel line so I went about trying to have a
>hydraulic
>> hose made up and found that it is hard to find the metric threaded
>ends to
>> mate up with the existing connectors on the van.  I finally did find
>a
>> shop that could supply the proper metric threaded ends and make up
>the
>> hoses.  For the return line I just cut the existing line a few
>inches from
>> each connector end and slipped on the new hydraulic line and for the
>> pressure line I used the newly made up line with the new connectors.
> I
>> had the shop make up and extra pressure line just to keep around or
>> possibly sell to someone else who may be in need as I was.  I am
>offering
>> this line up for sale to you list members at $100 USD plus shipping.
> This
>> would be a great deal and save you the hassle of trying to find
>someone to
>> make up this hose.  I can have others made up if there is some
>interest in
>> this hose, just let me know.  The hydraulic hose fix has a few
>advantages
>> over the original steel lines, they will not rust again ! and, they
>are
>> simple to install as the original steel line has many bends in it
>and is
>> about 7' long and real tough job to get out let alone try to
>reinstall the
>> new one !  You can contact me by e-mail if your interested in this
>power
>> steering hose fix.
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Frank
>>
>>
>> --
>>               *  Frank Condelli  *  Almonte, Ontario, Canada  *
>>                       *  ad793@Freenet.carleton.ca  *
>>                    '87 VW Westy, '69 MGB & Lionel Trains
>>                 http://members.aol.com/RAlanen/index.html
>>
>