In a message dated 12/09/2005 4:12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

I can't  believe that is the actual issue.  I've never had anything like =
this  before.  Anyone out there ever dealt with this?  What's  next?

Kim, seems you've checked everything but the  U-joint on the steering column
to rack connection.  The needle bearings  have sized up and are causeing this
problem your having.  I've come  across this situation a few times and have an
'87 Wolfsburg in the shop now with  the same story.  U-joint only availbe
from the dealer and is pricey.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat & Lionel  Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
or http://frankcondelli.com
_STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 09 ~ 12,  2005