On Wed, 2 Feb 2005, Frank Condelli wrote:

> In a message dated 01/02/2005 12:14:49 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
> Steve, first off cut the belt on the power steering pump until you get
> the leak fixed.  The pump may have already been damaged.  It is in the
> engine compartment not far from the reservoir.  Just follow the hoses
> from the reservoir.  I would remove the pump then clean and flush it
> thoroughly then reinstall it.

Frank,
can you describe the cleaning and flushing procedure in greater detail?
Is there a cleaning agent you'd recommend?

Thanks,
Matt

> Does it sound like I've wrecked the pump?  Where _is_ the pump anyway?

Steve, here's a picture of a 2.1l engine in my 88 westy:

http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3269

The pump is on the bottom right of the picture.  It has a belt connected
to it.  Here's an upclose shot of the pump:

http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3270

> First  off, thanks to everyone who responded to my "need some adwice"  plea.
>
> Tonight I have a new problem.  I think I've let the steering  fluid
> leak in my '90 GL go on for too long.  I put off fixing the  leak
> because the pipe is so expensive, and thought it would be OK to  keep
> on topping up the fluid every time the whine became noticeable,  but
> today it got to the point where it whines all the time even when  I've
> only just topped up the reservoir.
>
>
>

> For your rusted line problems see my _Vanagon Power Steering Lines_
> (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hose.htm)  webpage for the inexpensive
> solution. Once you install new lines and the cleaned pump flush the
> entire system with on quart of Dexron III auto tranny fluid by leaving
> off the return line to the reservoir, blocking it's nipple filling the
> reservoir to the top, run the engine and dump in what's left of the
> Dexron III, stop the engine then connect the return line to the
> reservoir and fill the system to the MAX. mark, start the engine, fill
> the reservoir as needed until the reservoir level is stable then turn
> the steering wheel lock to lock to bleed the system then check the
> reservoir and fill if necessary to the MAX. mark.  If your lucky the
> pump will still be good.  Even if it whines a bit it will last for quite
> a long time.
>  Otherwise you will have to purchase a new pump.  I have these also, listed
> on my _Vanagon Items Forsale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm)
> webpage, but they are not cheap.
>
>
> 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
>