In my last Vanagon, the original rack lasted 120k miles and the rebuilt
model lasted about 50k, according to my mileage and the previous owner's
records.

I ended up replacing the leaker with a manual rack out of an '83.  $15 at
the U-Pull-it yard.  I also got the larger steering wheel.  Honestly, I
liked it better than the power rack; it felt more responsive.  And, with the
bigger steering wheel, I could see the gauges better.

When the rebuilt power rack dies on my current vanagon, I'll probably find
another manual one...

Joe T.
Denver, CO

>From: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
>Reply-To: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Leaking PS fluid, replace rack or just seals?
>Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:01:11 -0500
>
>I gotta tell you that I am using my PS without the belt as the fluid gushes
>out .Done  this for a year and it is  mostly ez to steer. However I do feel
>somewhat embarressed doing it for so long. Just dont have the money to
>rebuid or swap it.Got to do a wheel alignment too. I do fantasize of a new
>rack often. You could say I need a life, but I think  more money will
>suffice. I have forgotten what  good  power steering feels like.Tell me.
>
>This said,my rack gushes fluid from the seal at the inner tie rod.Toast it
>is.Yours sound interesting.Maybe it can be fixed. If it was mine, I would
>use some gunk on the messy area and clean it up so I can see exactly what
>is  wrong. Start the van up and watch it leak. Maybe just a tightening up
>of a PS line is needed.Maybe a trip to a junkyard for a bitty part will fix
>your rack.Perhaps a part common with other VW cars.
>
>When buying a new rack, consider a "long rack". This is a rack with tie
>rods
>(inner and outter), and boots. I think someone told us recently of a rack
>like this for $220 rebuilt. From a place called the rack shop ,or something
>like that. They gave a link with pictures and the rack shop web site.This
>was within 2 months, so search the archives for just a brief time and find
>your treasure.
>
>Anyone know if my rack is still rebuildable,with all this use without
>fluid? How ,long should a rack last anyway. Mine died at about 170K.

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