Lately my '88 Westy has developed a large amount of play in the steering,
about 1" measured along the rim of the steering wheel can be detected
with engine off (power steering). I'm hoping this is a U-joint rather than the
rack itself, but don't know how likely this is. It also coincides with the
following recent changes:

1. I drove the van for 1-2 days with the P/S pump disconnected (100 kms
total) when I suspected a failed pump (it was only a loose belt...).

2. I had the alignment done and 2 new tires installed. The guy doing the
alignment warned me that driving with the P/S pump disconnected could
damage the seals in the rack (or something like that).

Could I have caused the play by driving without P/S belt attached? Any
similar experiences? The van has 378k kms on body, and tie rod ends
were said to be ok by alignment shop.

--
Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
'88 Westy 375k
'85 Jetta D 263k
'85 Jetta TD 482k (retired)
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