On 9/15/05, Skarloken, Donna S. <DSkarloken@reedsmith.com> wrote: 
> 
> I can't address the first question as I was able to keep putting fluid
> in mine when this happened and it was a slow leak. Re your second
> question, I used to drive my 82 diesel Vanagon (no power steering) to
> work, on trips, etc. and the only time I noticed the lack of it was when
> moving slow, i.e., parking. It really didn't bother me so in a pinch,
> unless your wife is really, really petite, I don't see a problem for
> her. Ask BenT if you need verification but though tall I have very thin
> upper arms - I'm too lazy to work out except barn aerobics.
> 
> Donna, 87 Syncro & Wolfsburg

 Little Ms. Buckarette Donna S. can put the Governator to shame. For gosh 
sakes, she rides a Barley... i mean ... a Harley. You know how those weemen 
are built.
 Seriously, an unpowered PS rack is only slightly heavier to drive than a 
manual steering rack. The reason for that is the steering knuckle on the PS 
van has the hole for the tierod moved further out to provide quicker 
steering. Since it has a longer lever arm, it will require more force to 
turn the wheel. Driving around is fine. Parking is where strongarm tactics 
work best.
 Just drive w/o your PS belt or replace the darn thing. It took me 45 
minutes on my back next to the sidewalk in front of my house to install a 
good used rack that I bought for $100. I sold the rack as a core for $50. 
Much easier than monkeying around with a dead rack. Of course, your needs 
might be different than mine. I drive in San Francisco where PS is almost a 
necessity -- even in traffic. Have you ever decided to quickly change ot the 
next lane over while you are in stop and go traffic? Not easy with a manual 
steering van if you are sitting still.
 -- 
BenT 
 Van-O-Rama . Saturday . September 24th 2005
South San Francisco