In a message dated 11/12/2004 5:15:59 PM Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

I have  had a power steering fluid leak in the engine bay for about 3
years  now.  Just recently it started leaking very fast.  I can't  tell
where it is coming from because it kind of gets all over.  What  is
strange is the intake hose from the reservoir is soaked the most  but
that wouldn't have any pressure on it would it?  Any help in  getting
this leak found?  I don't want to replace the pump if I don't  have to.
It doesn't make any noise or have any  wobble.

    Kurt, probably not the pump.  Most likely the  pressure hose from the
pump to the metal line has a small pin hole or the metal  pressure line itself
has rusted through but this would not contribute  to fluid in the engine
compartment.  Cut off the rubber shield  surrounding the hose and I bet you find your
leak.  If it is the pressure  hose from the pump to the metal line, the one
with the banjo fitting it can be  repaired by a good hydraulic shop.  They will
be able to replace the hose  on the old fittings with the proper crimp
connectors.  Since the Vanagon  power steering system is high pressure, 1400 lbs,
you need to tell this to the  hydraulic shop so they will use the appropriate
hose and crimps.  You can  use split loom to cover the new hose or just take a
larger diameter hose and  slit it lengthways to use as a protective covering.
Actually, with good  high pressure hydraulic hose I do not see the need for
the protective  covering.  If you need to replace your metal power steering
lines that have  rusted through see my _Vanagon  Power Steering Lines_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hose.htm)  webpage for a good inexpensive soloution.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 09 ~ 12, 2005
'87 Westy, '90 Carat &  Lionel Trains
Member: _Vanagon List_ (http://www.vanagon.com/) , _LiMBO_
(http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/) , _IWCCC_ (http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/)  & _CCVWC_
(http://www.ccvwc.ca/)
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in  the Ottawa Valley
_STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
or  http://frankcondelli.com