that's great thinking on gear wear  in that little box - and 'rotating'
gears there to spread wear out evenly.
I call that part the 'V steering box' .
I have never ever seen one worn - in hundreds of vansagons worked on, and
dozens of them owned.
I have read about someone needing to replace one though.
I have 'em if anyone needs one.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Arthur,Dave" <Dave.Arthur@NSCC.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 5:50 PM
Subject: Relay Steering Gear

I have an '86 Westy with power steering.

The relay steering gear (251 419 025) connects between the Steering
shaft and rack.

How subject to wear is this unit? Would it be useful to disconnect the
unit from the rack and steering shaft and reconnect it 180 degrees
offset?

My thought is most of the wear on the internal gearing would be in the
straight ahead position, placing it 180 degrees out would place the
center position on relatively unworn gear teeth...

Any ideas? Is this a non-problem?

D