I have been driving my '85 Westy for 4 years with the belt off the power
steering pump. In those 4 years I have put about 30,000 miles in the van
without a problem concerning the steering.

> From: Andrew Fox <afox@USGS.GOV>
> Reply-To: afox@USGS.GOV
> Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 09:01:20 -0400
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Power Steering Used as Manual Steering
>
> <Will I damage any part of the power steering rack by using it as a
> <manual system?  Does the power steering fluid provide necessary
> <lubrication to steering parts in the front end?
>
> Does anyone have any additional information on this?  Contrary to what Don
> was told by his mechanic, I was told be a VW dealership mechanic that there
> is no harm in disconnecting the power steering pump.  My 86 GL that has a
> leaky rebuilt rack seems to steer and handle fine without power assistance.
> This is an important safety issue as i'm sure many of us have had to or are
> considering replacing or re-building our leaky power steering racks.
>
> Thanks,
> Andrew Fox
>
>
>
>
> Don Preston
> <donpre@MICROSOFT        To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> .COM>                    cc:
> Sent by: Vanagon         Subject:     Re: Power Steering Used as
> Mailing List             Manual Steering
> <vanagon@gerry.va
> nagon.com>
>
>
> 10/26/00 04:24 PM
> Please respond to
> Don Preston
>
>
>
>
>
> Dana,
>
> About a year ago I decided to have the steering rack on my '87 Wolfy looked
> at. When I pulled into the shop and the mechanic took a look at it, he
> asked, "Did you drive this in here?"
> "Of course", I said.
> "The shaft gears are completely toast", he said.
> "Oh my God, I just got back from SLC yesterday! That's 2000 miles round
> trip!"
> "You lucky bastard", he said.....
> He put the van on a lift and proceeded to show me what happens to the power
> steering rack when it doesn't get the required fluids.
> See, my van's steering pump was bad when I her. But I drove on it for about
> 2 years before having it looked at.
>
> So, lesson to be learned? Power steering racks sure for power steering.
> They
> will wear out Very fast if not lubricated properly, and that could cause a
> major accident (imagine your bus taking off in it's own direction at
> 60+mph!!)
>
> I had the mechanic convert the powered rack to a standard, unassisted rack
> from VW. I love it. Super stable, and turns nice and easy. But, it did cost
> me about $1300 with parts and labor.
>
> So, there's my 2c.
>
> Lates,
>
> Don Preston
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of Dana Morphew
> Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2000 11:29 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Power Steering Used as Manual Steering
>
>
> I'm getting about ready to install my type RV engine from an '89 Jetta
> into my '90 Vanagon.
>
> I have carefully cut off the mount for the power steering fluid
> reservoir.  It was right where the rear end of the right engine carrier
> will attach.  I want to use the power steering rack the Vanagon came
> with but not have a pump providing assist.  The wheels are manageably
> turnable without the power assist even when using the original, smaller
> diameter, steering wheel and at a standstill.  I'm leaving the supply
> and return lines in place though, so I can reengineer a powered setup if
> desired.
>
> Will I damage any part of the power steering rack by using it as a
> manual system?  Does the power steering fluid provide necessary
> lubrication to steering parts in the front end?
>
> Thank you for your advice and comments.
>
> -Dana-
>