First, be sure your hydraulic fluid is up to the proper level - the tank is
in the rear of the van by the oil hatch. If that is OK, then you have a pump
that is going bad. The pumps are a bit pricey, but if you are at all
mechanically inclined, you can change it yourself. It is pretty straight
forward. Once changed, top off the tank with new fluid. Start the engine and
let it run for a few minutes, then cycle the system by turning the steering
wheel left and right a few times. If you have a bit of air in the system,
this help work it out. You don't have to worry about bleeding air from it
like you do with the brakes, Operation takes care of the problem.

Luck,

John Rodgers
'88GL Driver in Birmingham, AL

David Bogle wrote:

> Dear List members,
>
> My power steering is making more and louder groaning noises lately.  The
> steering wheel has noticeable resistance when parked.  While driving it
> feels fine, except at very slow cornering.
>
> Since my esteemed vanagon mechanic is leaving for vacation for a couple
> of weeks, and I'm planning a 400 mile trip for Labor Day Weekend, I'm in
> need of advice.
>
> What type of failure can I expect, if any?
>
> Should I have a local mechanic do the job; i.e., is it a vanagon
> specific type procedure with risk to other systems, etc. if it is not
> done by a vanagonaut mechanic?  Or is it a straightforward, all cars are
> similar, simple swap job?
>
> TIA.
> David
> ______________________________/ /  /   /     /        /             /
> David Bogle
> brooklyn, ny
> '87 Syncro Westfalia