Power steering issue

[billclimbs]

Months ago I put power steering fluid in the reservoir..I guess a mistake...turns out I had a leak up front at the steering rack.. I have lived without the PS working since then. I am now in a position to fix this mess. I guess I need to replace the seals...big project? Local auto parts store said there are 50 seals in the kit? Do they all get replaced? Also...does this mean the pump is shot....I put fluid in today and it works....but it whines when I turn the wheels.

[AndyBees]

There is a "How-to" thread on rebuilding the PS rack. I'm sure someone will provide the link.

I've rebuilt two racks this year with 100% success. I purchased the Gates Kit from RockAuto ... less than $40.00 shipped.

This is how I did it.

Removal
1. Van up on jack stands (front and back)
2. Removed spare tire, clam shell and other bits. Makes it much, much easier to access the steering joint that has to be removed over by the left bottom corner of the of the radiator.
3. Removed the fuel tank, but not necessary (did other work while off).
4. Pressure washed the PS rack which makes the job much cleaner.

Then with a good work bench, table, etc., methodically disassemble the unit. The How-To Thread explains how and the necessary tools. The breather tube does not have to be removed.... in fact, you may damage it while attempting to remove it. Those O-rings at the elbows of the breathing tube will probably never leak.... I skipped those due to the fear of damaging them or the tube.

The five (or is it four) Teflon O-rings that go on the central unit (my term) will be the greatest challenge. I wrapped them with masking tape, then used hose clamps to flatten them into the grooves.... after about 15 minutes, I quickly removed the clamps and tape, then inserted the unit into the lubed housing.... no problems.

Move forward only after studying the How-To ....

Hope this encourages you to tackle the job. Be safe.
_________________
'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI. 1989 Tin-top
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine. Seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003.

[dhaavers]

PS: The Vanagon PS system requires ATF (NOT power steering fluid) for proper operation.
Feel free to drain fluid & replace PS filter before refilling...probably never been done before...

Yeah...don't ask me why... I wasn't involved in the design...

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[AndyBees]

[billclimbs]

Thanks....ordering parts from Gowesty. Seemed reasonable and they everything....seals, boots,filter

[AndyBees]

[billclimbs]

So...that kit is OK? They dont have a filter tho. I'll have to find that somewhere else.

[AndyBees]

[bjrogers86auto]

I am just in the process of replacing the steering rack myself. It went from leaking a little to leaking a lot in two hours!

I attempted the rebuild but the corrosion on the unit is just too much for success. It may be original so 32 years on the East Coast of Canada is a good life...

Hope to have my replacement this week and back on the road asap.

Brian
_________________
86 Vanagon GL Westfalia 2.1
18 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X
19 Honda Civic Hatchback

A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day. Calvin and Hobbes.

[billclimbs]

Finally getting started on the project and already having difficulty with removing the nut on both sides that hold the tie rods....uhgg. I'm letting it soak overnight after spraying with rust dissolver....any other tips? Didn't want to try heat for fear of ruining the rubber knuckle.

[AndyBees]

As my uncle would say, it takes "main strength and awkwardness" to break loose those tough nuts and bolts.

So, to apply MSAA you may need to use some sort of cheater bar. You'll also have to "pop" it out of the steering knuckle once the nut is off. Strong whacks with a hammer on the edge of the knuckle where the tie-rod bolt goes through generally sends enough vibration to pop them out.
_________________
'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI. 1989 Tin-top
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine. Seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003.

[billclimbs]

So I had to cut the nuts...just too rusted...just as well since the tie rod ends could stand replacement.... question now is I dont need to replace the teflon orings on that shaft? But I still need to pull it out right?