Paid $30.00 for a used OEM pump that I have gotten 50,000 mi. out of so far. I installed with about $3.00 of fluid and about 20 mins. of my time. Seems to me like my gamble paid off. I was familiar with the vehicle it came from and had bought several other good parts from the same vanagon. Makes sense to me so far. I'll poney up for a new pump and reman rack next go around. 

?
David

-----Original Message-----
From: VWBrain@aol.com
To: dvdclarksn@aol.com; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Fri, Apr 30, 2010 8:49 am
Subject: Re: Power Steering Pump Rebuild Kits

In a message dated 4/29/2010 3:14:21 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, dvdclarksn@AOL.COM writes:
I bought a kit from one of our list vendors that was very reasonable priced. Seems as though it included a couple of gaskets or o-rings and new replaceable vanes. I remember being a bit unsure of whether i got the vanes back in correctly and the pump did not function properly. I also went the route of trying a local FLAPS that shall remain nameless. After 5 pumps in 18 mos. I insisted on getting my $ back . Got a good used OEM pump from the parts yard and no problems since. 
?

Hmmm? started with a used pump and 2 years later went back with a used pump.? that makes a lot of sense.? OE? ZF pumps are still out there, cost about $275 where the cheap reman ones cost about $170 Seems like the OE would have been the better deal? later? mark d