Yes, power steering fluid is red.  

Yes, you are risking further damage.  You're power steering rack (front axle) is already damaged so no worries about that, but you do risk ruining your power steering pump if you run it without fluid.

Yes, it's safe to drive.  However, I would suggest draining the remainder of fluid out of your power steering resevoir and then removing the power steering belt.  That way you can drive your westy without damaging the power steering pump although you'll be going manual steering style.  After you replace your power steering rack (~$250) you can hook everything back up.

Good luck!

Aaron
-'85 Westy

-----Original Message-----
From: Joachim Preiss [mailto:jp0815@EARTHLINK.NET]
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 1:16 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: leaking power steering?

Hi there,

Crawled under my 85 westfalia last weekend, and found drops of a red fluid on
both of the rubber boots on the front axle, and 2 small puddles on the ground.
I might have found the reason why turning the wheel feels more like lifting
the beast around the corner rather than power steering.

Is power steering fluid red? Am I risking further damage if I keep driving
with a leaky power steerer? Most of all: is it safe to drive? Any other tips
besides: CYFB (Check your f.....g Bently).

Thanks!
 'chimpy

'85 Westfalia 'funagon'