Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 15:40:03 -0800
Reply-To: Jeffrey Schwaia <jeff@VANAGONPARTS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jeffrey Schwaia <jeff@VANAGONPARTS.COM>
Subject: Re: Power Steering Woes (longish)
In-Reply-To: <41F6BBB1.9020906@sbcglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
The power steering racks are not difficult to rebuild, however, you will
need to buy or build some special tools to do the job properly. If you
decide to do the rebuild yourself, here's a list of parts you may need:
251 498 020, Steering Rack Seal Kit - $81.75
251 419 081, Steering Rack Bushing (4 required) - $2.65/each
251 419 831A, Steering Rack Boot (2 required) - $8.85
Additionally, you should replace the PS filter (431 422 385A) - $8.14
Rebuilt PS racks sell for $225/exchange ($100 core deposit) so it may not be
worth your time and effort to perform the rebuild yourself.
If you change over to a manual steering rack, you may want to replace the
steering knuckles as well since the arm where the tie rod attaches is longer
on the manual steering vans. It'll work with your current knuckles, but it
will take more effort to turn the wheel.
A good used manual rack sells for $90/outright, plus shipping.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Jeff
www.vanagonparts.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Barry Muller
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 1:36 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Power Steering Woes (longish)
OK The data:
1991 Carat, two years ago the stealership installed a rebuilt power
steering rack (PSR) (and all the lines because the we were rusted to the
rack) for mucho dinero. They warned me to use VW Powersteering fluid.
The manual sez Dexron ATF.
First signs of trouble
Whilst replacing the radiator I noticed the boots on the PSR had never
been installed with hose clamps and were. of course hanging uselessly on
the tie-rods. I attached them to the rack and hoped for the best.
Today
Well of course the 18 mos of grit that was packed agains the seals began
its dirty work and now I have an increasing leak-rate. I have added
Dexron III, because, of course, they don't sell just Dexron anymore.
Now I also see leaks from the back near the pump too.
Question 1(a & b): Did I screw-up by putting dexron III in? What are
you using and what is your experience with leaks?
Q2 (a & b): How bad is it to rebuild the rack with new seals? Is it
worth the time/hassle computation, or should I just chalk this up to
another expensive lesson and buy a rebuild and install it?
Q3 (a & B): Did they ever sell the Vanagon in NA with a manual rack? If
so, has anyone done the transplant?
Thanks from,
"old greasy driveway"
