Ric, it is the universal that links the rack to the steering column.
This is how they feel when they start to go bad.  I have had this happen
to me on my 90 Carat Vanagon and my Dad is currently going through this
with his 89.  The only fix is to replace this universal and the only
source for them is VW.  They are $170 at the moment.  Let me know if you
need one and I can get one for you.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Richard Golen wrote:
> Hi!
>
>
> A couple of days ago I noticed the power steering on my 87 Westy  began to feel "heavy" as I drove out of my driveway. After driving a bit it seemed to get better. So I chalked it up to the fact that the temp was in the low teens and perhaps something iced up.
>
> However it has now lasted a couple of days. Here's what it is doing. As long as I turn the steering wheel left or right up to 90 degrees, when I let go of the wheel (while the van is moving) the steering wheel goes back to the straight position. However if I have to turn it more than 90 degrees I can feel a bit of binding. When I let go of the steering wheel (again while the van is moving) the wheel will start moving back to the center, and then binds up around 45 degrees from center.
>
> Any ideas of what the problem could be? I replaced the P/S rack about 18 months ago and put in new tie rod ends at the same time.
>
> Ric
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