-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Mike Collum
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 6:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: power steering rack questions

I just received my rebuilt power steering rack and it came with the
boots installed and securely tie-wrapped in place.

1.  Is there a way to accurately determine "Center" with the boots
installed?
Turn the input shaft lock to lock and count the turns. Divide by 2 and
center the rack. There should be a disc with an arrow on the shaft.
Reposition it if needed to line up between the two line on the rack
housing.
Over the years, the steering wheel may also be positioned wrong. After
the rack is in and centered, the wheel should be almost straight. The
anti- theft lock should lock with the wheel turned to the right and the
center spoke at 10 and 4. It should not lock straight ahead.

2.  When the rack is laid on a flat surface with the 4 mounting holes
down, it rocks back and forth (doesn't lay flat).  Is it acceptable to
put shims between the rack and where it mounts on the van to take up
this slack?
There should be mounting bushings. These will slide as needed. No need
to shim.

Thanks,

Mike