Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@optonline.net> said -

>That line should not be returning any fluid at all. If there is fluid in
>the boots, the rack is shot. The line only moves the air from the boots
>so they do not collapse or blow out as the rack moves side to side. A
>knowledgeable mechanic should know how this works. It is common to most
>rack and pinion set ups. The pump will eventually be damaged if allowed
>to run out of fluid.
>
>Dennis
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>
>Volks -
>
>I have an '87 Westy.  A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a whining noise
>from
>the rear which got louder when I turned the wheels.  The power steering
>reservoir was quite low.  When I filled it up, the noise went away, so I
>drove about 50 miles on the highway.  The noise was back, and the
>reservoir
>down again.
>
>I re-filled it, drove 50 miles home and took it to Randy, my mechanic.
>He
>discovered that the pressure balancing tube on the top of the PS rack
>had
>popped loose at one end.  Thinking I might have had an odd bounce from a
>chunk of ice or some other unusual occurance, he popped it back in,
>refilled
>and tested the system.
<SNIP>

Dennis -

You are absolutely right.  Randy says he just wasn't thinking when he put
that back together.  I ordered a new rack, boots, etc. from the Bus Depot
today.

It was interesting.  They quoted me $25 for 7-10 days shipping, or $133 for
3 days.  Sounds like UPS gets a bit ridiculous, but I guess I'll know more
when the package arrives.

Now I just hope there was no damage to the pump to cause trouble with the
new rack. :-(

- Mike

Mike Finkbiner
mike_l_f@hotmail.com

I respect faith, but doubt is what gets you an education.   - Wilson Mizener

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