Yep, if you run low on the power steering fluid you will wreck the power steering
pump. BTDT. Pumps are pricey. . Not to worry about the rack though, if its leaking
it's already damaged. ie, the seals are shot.

Replacement of the rack is fairly straight forward. Be sure you get new boots with
the new rack. You will need to have the whole front end off the gound for easy
access. Once the new rack is installed, fill the power steering reservoir, start
the engine, then turn the steering wheel left and right several times all the way
to the stops. This will purge any air from the system. Then refill the fluid
reservoir to the proper level.

All done.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Joachim Preiss wrote:

> 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'