Ryan,

I did my PS Rack last year, as well as tie-rods. Didn't do the upper ball
joints.  My 84 Westy started leaking as well, and I think that they are only
good for 25 years!!!
I had an "old time" alignment shop work on it, and they couldn't correct the
1.5 degrees of negative camber.

So, call around and find a shop that knows Vanagons!!!

Jack

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Bill Shawley
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 8:08 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: While replacing steering rack.....

So it appears I'm not alone with a leaky power steering rack this summer,
maybe I never paid attention to the posts before but it sure seems like a
lot folks are having issues this year.  Anyways.....  got a used unit for a
good price I'm going to install (worst case scenarior I have a core sitting
in my garage if replacement is necessary sooner than alter).  I also plan to
replace upper ball joints (ripped boots, tight joint so far), and the tie
rod ends (ripped rubber), I already have new rack bushings and power
steering pump filter.  I plan flush the hell out of the system and used
rack.

I really have no complaints with my front end, everything seems tight,
brakes are fresh, calipers new, brake fluid flushed.

Is there anything I should take care of while I have things tore up in the
front?  Any other bushings I might wanna knock out while I'm in there?  I
understand I'll need an alignment when I'm finished up.  Can any shop do
this or should I call ahead and warn them I have a Vanagon?

Thanks for your continued input, basically you all are my e-mechanics!

Ryan

Ooh I'm getting my driveway paved this week, no more rolling in gravel!

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