Power Steering Pump Height relative to Reservoir

[Vanagon Nut]

Hi folks.

I think the answer is yes but....

is the design of the Vanagon power steering system, in particular pump design, similar or the same as other vehicles? [edit: same as other vehicles of that era]

I'm almost finished my ABA engine conversion using early style diesel vanagon engine bars. I'd planned to mount the WBX PS pump on the ABA engine but reading this reservoir position, feed hose etc. article:

http://www.pscmotorsports.com/pdf/tech/reservoir_tips.pdf

mounting the pump higher up, thus close to the same height as reservoir and having the feed line droop down before rising up to the pump, would be a very poor design.

from that article

"The pump works remarkably well at pushing fluid out but not so great at pulling it in. Since the pump is fed by the reservoir mainly through gravity, reservoir placement is critical."

Had I known that basic concept i wouldn't have wasted all this time figuring out brackets etc. Wishful thinking has me hoping this doesn't apply to the Vanagon.

Thanks

Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[Zeitgeist 13]

Just place the reservoir above the pump. That's it.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[Vanagon Nut]

[Steve M.]

[crazyvwvanman]

That could be true if the reservoir is also near the pump. If mounted far from the pump you could need more rise, so that the pump doesn't suck air when the vehicle is at an extreme angle.

Mark

[Farf]

All the answers above are correct. You probably won't have any problems as long as your reservoir is above the pump. Link below discusses "Net Positive Suction Head" and how it affects your pump. Try to maximize the reservoir height within reason.

http://www.pumpschool.com/applications/NPSH.pdf

[Vanagon Nut]

Steve M. Ha ha. Yes. I hear ya. I just don't know the physics, math etc behind all this. Farf: thanks for the PDF link. I had a quick look and basically understand points made. I see in "Solving NPSH Problems" section re: increasing NPSHa mention of using a larger pump at lower RPM. In this particular instance, using a WBX pump with Mk3 pulleys on Mk3 engine, making gross assumptions on idle speed, and assuming my math is ok, the WBX pump should have a lower RPM:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=694617&highlight=power+steering+rpm

Mark. Ok. Thanks. I've viewed other similar swaps, seen where the reservoir is; mine will be similar. And, I just found pics of a Suby swap where the feed hose actually runs way above the reservoir. I haven't read the entire thread but it seems the PS on that swap works. In my case, hoses to/from reservoir could even be shortened.

Ok. So it sounds like I was over thinking this and worrying needlessly. At this point, the pump reservoir will be mounted at the LH corner forward of the space in front of tail light. This may allow 1 or both hoses to reservoir to be shortened. I'll post an image showing pump and approximate location of reservoir.

I'm really hoping this actually works reliably. I really want power steering. And, this might provide others using the early style carrier bars with an option for power steering. (no AC)

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[Vanagon Nut]

Ok. So to my eye, the reservoir will be about level with the pump. But I think I can shorten bracketry between pump and ABA bracket so pump might be a little lower.

Mock up: WBX PS pump on ABA bracket, WBX PS reservoir

View of same looking toward passenger side

Mock up (brackets not yet designed)

ABA alternator, WBX PS pump with OE brackets

_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[Vanagon Nut]

Hi folks.

While searching for info regarding a steering issue that has begun on this van, found this thread, thought I'd report back.

Except for the recent issue, the power steering works. i.e. the pump location, hose routing, does not seem to be an issue.

Current issue: steering wheel does not return easily to center after turning a corner. As far as I can tell, the steering wheel always returned to centre. IOW, this isn't likely something I "just noticed".

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[?Waldo?]

Neil, I'm curious why you didn't use either Mk2 or Mk3 power steering pump and accessory brackets? It would seem easier than making a custom bracket and at least on the diesels it is all plug and play with the Vanagon reservoir and rack.

[MarkWard]

So it was a power steering van before? Same rack, spindles, etc? Have you checked the caster? Almost every vehicle on the street should return to straight on its own. I don’t see how the pump and reservoir location could affect how the steering returns to center.
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☮️

[Vanagon Nut]

[Vanagon Nut]

[?Waldo?]

Thanks for the explanation.

Too little positive caster would be my guess. I have personally experienced a power steering rack that would get 'stuck' not applying any power assist and then would occasionally come to life at times. While this is the opposite scenario and I haven't personally experienced it, I imagine it would be possible that the rack power control valve could 'stick' applying power this way or that and make centering more difficult.

[Vanagon Nut]

Thanks ?Waldo? and Mark for comments on castor.

The alignment was done with Hankook 14" tires installed. Shortly after engine swap was running, I switched to Mefro 15" wheels and Michelin "Defender" M&S tires. But that change shouldn't affect castor, I think.

My initial thought or concern was binding at upper and/or lower ball joints or tie rod inner or outer ends.

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN