Y'know, it's pictures like these that remind me why I live in Cali. Yikes.

Cya,
Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Barclay" <mbarclay@OPENFBO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 1:09 PM
Subject: Replacing the Power Steering Lines

>A couple weeks ago my power steering pressure line rusted through, so I
> bought the replacement hoses from Frank Condelli:
>
> http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hose.htm
>
> Then began the task of removing the old, nasty, rusted lines from my 88
> Westy.  I began in the engine, removing the return line from the PS pump:
>
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3408
>
> The pressure line gets disconnected below the engine:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3420
>
> Its easier to reach if you remove this engine plate/cover thing:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3418
>
> The first segment of metal PS lines goes from the engine to the fuel tank,
> where they link up with another segment that goes to the rack:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3423
>
> The pressure line came loose pretty easily using a wrench, but the hose
> clamps on the return line were rusted in place.  So I cut the hose that
> links to two metal return lines:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3424
>
> Frank recommended that the new hoses follow the radiator lines and go up
> the middle of the van.  I hope I'm zip tyed to the right hoses:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3429
>
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3430
>
> The PS lines terminate at the rack:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3436
>
> The return line was a pain to remove, but nothing compared to removing the
> damned pressure line from the rack.  The coupler was rusted to badly to
> the pressure line, that I had to turn the pressure line until it snapped:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3438
>
> The threads on the coupler are shot, so ordered a new on for $27.
>
> I used a jig saw to remove the segment of the return line that connects to
> the rack:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/powersteering/IMG_3440
>
> The new return line hose will clamp to this, so I'll clean it up with some
> rust dissolver and sand paper.
>
> As soon as the replacement coupler gets in, I'll be back on the road!!
>
> I am an amateur.  This is my first major repair job on a car.  So if you
> see something that just doesn't look right, *please* let me know.  This
> job seemed pretty straight forward.  The hardest part has been finding the
> leverage to turn the old, rusted parts, and having the patience to see it
> through.
>
> Regards,
> Matt