Cecil,

  If I had this much trouble installing a part, it would have prompted me to
make a call or email to the supplier and ask some questions before
continuing to force it in place.  Then, to be surprised when it self
destructs while driving it down the road?  What are you cautioning others
of, not to be a dumb*** like you were?  I've bought many parts 'new in the
box', only to discover that they were wrong for the application.  I made a
call or returned them to the FLAPS.  If you break it, you own
it...........regardless of where you bought it.

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Cecil Eastman" <ckelmo1@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 6:48 PM
Subject: PS Hose kit - a cautionary tale

> To those of us with Power Steering-
>
> If you're thinking about purchasing a Power Steering Hose Replacement Kit
> from one of our vendors (I know of two that sell what seems to be the same
> kit) please beware:  I believe that the low-pressure hose provided as part
> of the kit is too short.
>
> I received 11.5 ft of low-pressure hose that I struggled to make fit.  I
> followed the directions religiously, but found that I had to really
> stretch the hose to make it all the way from the PS unit in front to the
> PS reservoir in the engine compartment.  And this didn't work out so well:
> the hose retracted when I wasn't looking and ended up getting sawn open as
> it rubbed against the PS belt pulley as I was tooling down the road.
> White smoke and loss of power assist ensued, as well as a really gooey
> engine compartment.
>
> So check the length of the low-pressure hose before beginning.  Even using
> the shortest route possible, I believe (IMHO) you'll need a minimum of
> 12.5 feet (I used 13 ft when I replaced the hose) in order to avoid my
> fate.  In case anyone cares, both bus and pilot are now doing fine.
>
> Beyond that, the rest of the kit is spot on and will indeed solve those
> leaking pipe problems.  Pay close attention to the instructions in the
> Holy Bentley for bleeding the PS system; it's very easy and works
> beautifully.
>
> Cecil
> '85 Westy
> Der BrotKasten