Okay, 

So, if something is wrong, what is the best way to test for proper
functionality?

Pressure in the power steering line? If so how much?

Open to other suggestions...

-- 
Rob
NYC/Long Beach, NY
88 Wolfsburg, Silver

on 4/15/06 9:07 PM, Mike Collum at collum@VERIZON.NET wrote:

> The best way I can say it is ... If you think some effort is required or
> really, if you think about it at all ... then something is amiss.
> 
> Mike
> 
> 
> robertmstewart wrote:
>> 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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>> 
>>