Larry,

That's in the power steering reservoir in the engine compartment.
Remove the top with a great big pair of pliers... gently... it screws
off. Then keep the stuff in order that comes out, springs and
what-have-you. Down in there you will find a porous donut. That's the
filter.

Jim

On Jan 25, 2005, at 8:24 PM, AAG - Larry Word wrote:

> RE:        Additionally, you should replace the PS filter (431 422
> 385A)  -
> $8.14
>
> Is this a part (PS Filter) that can be "serviced" or is it internal to
> the
> rack system.  I've replaced my
> rack but know nothing of this PS filter.
>
> Larry
> 1985 Vanagon
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jim Felder" <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 6:51 PM
> Subject: Re: Power Steering Woes (longish)
>
>
>> And be reminded that you might want to get one of those big old
>> steering wheels to replace the smaller one that came with the PS
>> setup.
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> On Jan 25, 2005, at 5:40 PM, Jeffrey Schwaia wrote:
>>
>>> The power steering racks are not difficult to rebuild, however, you
>>> will
>>> need to buy or build some special tools to do the job properly.  If
>>> you
>>> decide to do the rebuild yourself, here's a list of parts you may
>>> need:
>>>
>>> 251 498 020, Steering Rack Seal Kit  -  $81.75
>>> 251 419 081, Steering Rack Bushing (4 required)  -  $2.65/each
>>> 251 419 831A, Steering Rack Boot (2 required)  -  $8.85
>>>
>>> Additionally, you should replace the PS filter (431 422 385A)  -
>>> $8.14
>>>
>>> Rebuilt PS racks sell for $225/exchange ($100 core deposit) so it may
>>> not be
>>> worth your time and effort to perform the rebuild yourself.
>>>
>>> If you change over to a manual steering rack, you may want to replace
>>> the
>>> steering knuckles as well since the arm where the tie rod attaches is
>>> longer
>>> on the manual steering vans.  It'll work with your current knuckles,
>>> but it
>>> will take more effort to turn the wheel.
>>>
>>> A good used manual rack sells for $90/outright, plus shipping.
>>>
>>> Good luck.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> Jeff
>>> www.vanagonparts.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On
>>> Behalf
>>> Of Barry Muller
>>> Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 1:36 PM
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Subject: Power Steering Woes (longish)
>>>
>>>
>>> OK The data:
>>>
>>> 1991 Carat, two years ago the stealership installed a rebuilt power
>>> steering rack (PSR) (and all the lines because the we were rusted to
>>> the
>>> rack) for mucho dinero.  They warned me to use VW Powersteering
>>> fluid.
>>> The manual sez Dexron ATF.
>>>
>>> First signs of trouble
>>>
>>> Whilst replacing the radiator I noticed the boots on the PSR had
>>> never
>>> been installed with hose clamps and were. of course hanging uselessly
>>> on
>>> the tie-rods.  I attached them to the rack and hoped for the best.
>>>
>>> Today
>>>
>>> Well of course the 18 mos of grit that was packed agains the seals
>>> began
>>> its dirty work and now I have an increasing leak-rate.  I have added
>>> Dexron III, because, of course, they don't sell just Dexron anymore.
>>> Now I also see leaks from the back near the pump too.
>>>
>>> Question 1(a & b):  Did I screw-up by putting dexron III in?  What
>>> are
>>> you using and what is your experience with leaks?
>>>
>>> Q2 (a & b): How bad is it to rebuild the rack with new seals?  Is it
>>> worth the time/hassle computation, or should I just chalk this up to
>>> another expensive lesson and buy a rebuild and install it?
>>>
>>> Q3 (a & B): Did they ever sell the Vanagon in NA with a manual rack?
>>> If
>>> so, has anyone done the transplant?
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks from,
>>>
>>> "old greasy driveway"
>>>
>>
>