BTW bleed with the engine running.  That's what I get for multislacking ;-)
jm

On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 1:28 PM, John Meeks <vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:

> Robert,
>
> First thing to do is remove your PS belt. You can drive like this till you
> get it sorted without trashing the pump by running it empty.
>
> Once sorted bleed the lines by turning the wheel from stop to stop a few
> times. This of course with the belt re-installed and the reservoir filled.
>
> John Meeks
> '91 Multivan
> Northern Michigan
>
> Vanagon Rescue Squad
> http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm
>
> Radio Call:KC8ZFN
>
>
>
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 1:06 PM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com>wrote:
>
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> I need some guidance please.
>>
>> I have a 2.1L Automatic 1988 Wolfsburg. Just rebuilt the engine and
>> had all new hoses put on.
>>
>> Prior to the install the power steering pump had a minor leak, now
>> after the rebuild no leak.
>>
>> 2 days ago in pouring rain I noticed the steering was very stiff. So I
>> looked at the ATF fluid in the Power Steering Tank. It was almost
>> empty so I filled it.
>>
>> 10 minutes later it was making noise when trying to turn at slow
>> speeds pulling from the parking lot. So I filled again with some Lucas
>> Stop leak and topped it off with some more ATF.
>>
>> Got home and it was empty. So I look today to see if I can see
>> anything. I had the lines replaced the fat & thin lines with copper
>> ones in 2007 I believe. I am noticing some red fluid around some areas
>> of the lines but I can't be sure where its really coming from.
>>
>> Where are the key areas to look for leaks?
>>
>> Will it kill my pump if I drive it with some fluid in it that drains
>> out over the time of me driving it to get it fixed?
>>
>> I assume the best thing to do is just replace them with Hydraulic lines?
>>
>> Walrus from the Samba posted some details on having them custom made
>> but I need someone to confirm his data please. He stated they should
>> run around $40.
>>
>> I assume I need to go to hydraulic shop or tractor shop to get them
>> made?
>>
>> Walrus's instructions for building 2 Power Steering lines:
>>
>> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=147368&highlight=steering+fluid+leak
>>
>> High Press line
>> 11.5' long, two female compression fittings, 16x1.5mm
>> Needs to be flex industrial stainless braided rated 4200lb. I.D. is
>> 5/16".
>> I believe I used 3/8". Connects where metal line junctions with the
>> 1.5' section of hose held onto pump with banjo bolt.
>>
>> Low Press line
>> 13' long, Needs to be rated 400lb? 1/2" I believe.
>> Connects from Reservoir to rack. I cut the pipe 4 inches from rack and
>> connected by sliding hose over pipe and used hose clamps. Other end
>> hose clamps to reservoir.
>>
>> Is this an easy job for one person to do in their backyard?
>> How long should it take?
>>
>> If I brought the lines to a mechanic with a lift how long should it
>> take to replace the lines and add the fluid?
>>
>> Do the lines need to be bled out or anything? A special process for
>> testing it and making sure its installed properly?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Robert
>> NY
>>
>
>