If your radius rod bushings are original, they are shot. Most cases of
unexplained tire waer and poor handling can be traced here. If these
bushings allow the rod to move under load, the Caster adjustment will
constantly change. As the caster difference changes from side to
side,(cross caster angle) the van will pull to one side or tire wear
will become excessive while turning. These bushings also have an inner
guide bushing. If worn or rusted, the rod will destroy the mounting
hole. If bad enough, welding repair may be required.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of AAG - Larry Word
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 12:28 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Old vanagon steering parts - radius rod

Hello group:

Tonight's the night for all my ?'s.  Bear with me as I cannot afford a
mechanic so I guess
I'm it.....

All my old vanagon steering rubber parts are cracking but how relative
is dry-rotting issues for
these steering parts and/or equivalent parts on our front ends:
    -radius rod (inner and outer) rubber parts
    -anti-roll bar bushings
    -track control arm and its assoc. parts...talking rubber only
here....
    -etc.

Also...what is expected life on front end parts (tie rods, balljoints,
etc.) considering their pre-lubed and cannot be lubed easily again?

Larry