In a message dated 01/02/2005 12:14:49 PM Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

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.

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

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.  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