The belts are all good, pump is working, fluid is in the reservoir, just
seems to need a lot more effort when making big tight turns...

on 4/15/06 7:07 PM, Mike Collum at collum@VERIZON.NET wrote:

> I once threw the belt from my '85's power steering pump and I could
> really feel the difference ... immediately!  It steers a whole lot
> easier with the belt in place.
> 
> With power steering, it's easier to steer then my '84, which has manual
> steering, but remember, the manual steering has more turns of the
> steering wheel from lock to lock and has the larger steering wheel to
> boot.  One set up for manual steering isn't all that bad, but one that's
> set up for power steering is a lot harder when the power steering isn't
> working.
> 
> Mike
> 
> 
> Robert Fisher wrote:
>> My power steering rack sprung a leak and needs to be rebuilt, so we've had
>> to do without the power steering, so to speak. I didn't notice much
>> difference, nor did my wife and she would have let me know if it was
>> causing
>> her much of a problem.
>> Having said that, it could well be that the failing system wasn't giving us
>> much help to begin with, but before it went out it wasn't nearly as
>> effortless as my Cadillac, for instance.
>> The lines are good and the pump still has some fluid and doesn't seem to
>> have been damaged but I think I'll rebuild it for GP, both to maintain
>> 'balance' in the system and because, well, it's 20 yrs old and if it hasn't
>> gone yet it will eventually, especially after this problem.
>> Dunno if that helps ya but there it is.
>> 
>> Cya,
>> Robert
>> 
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Milo's Kitchen" <sagmoore@ZOOMINTERNET.NET>
>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2006 2:53 PM
>> Subject: Re: Power Steering issue...
>> 
>> 
>> Hi Rob,
>> 
>> Without having another VW Vanagon with power steering to compare it to, it
>> would be hard to say.
>> 
>> The Bentley manual has a basic test using a dial type torque wrench to
>> check
>> basic steering friction, and a test using gauges to check the steering
>> hydraulic system pressures. Other than that, the wheel should be much
>> easier
>> to turn with the engine running as compared with it off, (steering lock
>> disengaged, of course).
>> 
>> My opinion is that a VW power steering equipped van requires a bit more
>> force than a brand new car, but I like that personally, better steering
>> feedback.
>> 
>> It also may be that not all of the air has been purged yet from the
>> lines as
>> well; keep an eye on the PS reservoir.
>> 
>> Dave
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
>> robertmstewart
>> Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2006 4:10 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Power Steering issue...
>> 
>> Hello everyone,
>> 
>> So I just had a bunch of work done on my van one item being having the
>> power
>> steering line replaced. What I am wondering is how smooth the turning is
>> with your van�s?
>> 
>> I notice that compared to most new cars the power steering is still a
>> little
>> tough, meaning I have to exert a little effort to turn the wheel, is that
>> normal?
>> 
>> In most new cars you turn the wheel and turns effortlessly. I am just
>> wondering if this is normal as it has been several years since my last van
>> and I can not remember how it is suppose to feel.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Rob
>> NYC/Long Beach, NY
>> 88 Wolfsburg, Silver
>> 
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