If you are mechanically inclined, there are overhaul kits for both the
pump and the rack. I would check the system before doing any mechanical
work. First take a quick look at the rack for wetness, torn boots, etc.
Now  be sure a belt is on the pump, fill the hydraulic fluid tank to the
top mark, start the engine, turn the steering wheel left and right from
stop to stop a couple of times to force out any air.....and you will know
if the pump is working by the ease of movement after a couple of turns. If
the pump is bad or going bad you will hear it squall or scream as the case
may be.  Check the rack under the front to see if there has been leakage
during this operation.

Pumps are cheap enough, just replace if bad. But you might want to
overhaul the rack yourself if you can do a bit more complex work. My
experience was that the racks were expensive. I was fortunate in having a
friend who worked for a VW dealership who reworked mine. In going through
it with him, it wasn't that complicated. Main thing is having the right
tools. Aside from the actual repair of the rack itself, the removal and
replacement of the rack in the vehicle wis very easy. Just follow Bentley.

John Rodgers
"88 GL Driver

McComas_Glenn wrote:

> I've got a lead on a 1987 Vanagon for sale.   Final straw (fem. driver
> going ballistic) was failure of the power steering.
>
> Anyone have experience fixing P/S in this case?  I don't know at this
> point whether it is a pump, hose, or rack problem.  My local boneyard
> has some BMW 3-series where I might get a usable pump..?  And the
> local Kubota tractor guy is very helpful in making hoses.  The rack
> would be another question.  Any comments???
>
> Glenn
> in bucolic Queenstown, Maryland