For improved cold weather operation VW changed the reqiurement a number of
years agof rom ATF to the Audi steering fluid. This stuff is expensive and
very low viscosity. I use the Mobil 1 synthetic ATF and still change every
few years. FUN US still has the original rack at 254K. Elay racks are sort
of a luck thing and abuse can add to thier demise. Turing the wheel without
the van actually rolling and full lock encounters put huge strains on the
rack seals.

Dennis

>From: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
>Reply-To: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Powersteering Rack - using synthetic Auto trans fluid
>Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 13:13:47 -0400
>
>I'm getting ready to change my PS rack in my 84 Westy, as a leak developed
>from the rack about 2 months after changing the PS lines, and putting in
>Amsoil ATF fluid.
>
>
>
>A friend / mechanic told me that sometimes it is not recommended to use
>synthetic fluids in Power Steering applications.
>
>Since I never had a leaking problem when I used regular ATF fluid, I'm now
>questioning what fluid would be best to use after I replace my rack.
>
>
>
>Should I be concerned about using synthetic?
>
>
>
>What is the "best" stuff to use for my Power Steering in my 84.
>
>
>
>Thanks!
>
>
>
>Jack R.
>
>84 Westy Wolfie
>
>N. of Detroit