In a message dated 11/4/2001 8:54:06 PM Eastern Standard Tim= e, LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:


How to rebuild power steering r= ack?

       Cary, rebuild is quite easy.  Just= make sure you clean the rack well before beginning so as not to get any dir= t inside.  The hardest part in going to be the removal of the locking d= evices that keep the cast end pieces on the central tube.  These can so= metimes be a bear to remove.  Remove all the tubing connecting the two = cast end pieces.  Remove the output to the steering column.  Remov= e the cover plate for the spring tensioner. Then remove the locking devices = by turning them counter clockwise to unscrew and loosen them.  They are= recessed down inside the cast aluminium end pieces and have two notches, 18= 0 degrees, apart.  Support the rack in a bench vice and using a drift b= egin tapping in the notch so that the locking device will turn.  If it = does not begin to turn and excessive force need be applied STOP and heat up = the area with a propane torch and try again.  If they look like they wi= ll not come loose then STOP and send the unit away for exchange on an alread= y rebuilt one.  If you damage the castings in removing these locking de= vices then your casting is toast and good for garbage only !  AFTER you= have these locking devices removed then you can begin to disassemble the en= ds and replace the parts inside.  Make note of where and which directio= n all the parts are installed before removing anything.  There are no d= iagrams anywhere to help if you get mixed up.  Clean everything well an= d install the new parts from the kit and reassemble in the same manner in wh= ich you took it apart.  That's it that's all.  Good luck ! &n= bsp;  

Peace 

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
BusFusion a VW C= amper camping event, Almonte, ON, May 30, 31, June 1, 2, 2002
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: Vanagon List, LiMBO, IWCCC & Capital City VW Club
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless= Steel Mufflers  
Frank Condelli & = Associates or http://frankcondelli.com