Ok, I found the source of play - the U joint at the rack is worn out. Part #
281 422 417, according to EKTA. BusDepot lists it as a steering shaft (for
$199!) but I need only the U joint itself. Has anyone found a source for
these? I'll try the dealer in the morning, it's too late now...

ps: Are these supposed to be lubed somehow? There's no grease fitting.

On 19 Aug 2003 at 7:24, Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA> wrote:

> 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)
> ~This message sent by Pegasus Mail, the safe E-Mail alternative~
> "Friends don't let friends use Outlook"
>

--
Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
'88 Westy 375k
'85 Jetta D 263k
'85 Jetta TD 482k (retired)
~This message sent by Pegasus Mail, the safe E-Mail alternative~
"Friends don't let friends use Outlook"