hi,
yeah, because metal is more durable than rubber.
I imagine new rubber hoses in the kits sold will last pretty well though ..
perhaps not 20 years like the pipes do ..
but pretty well for say, at least 6 years, would be my guess.

I have never seen any leaks in those junctions it the middle of the pipes.
the 'problem' with them in my mind is they are not protected against
corrosion well enough from the factory.

in a dry environment, they don't wear or leak.
In a corrosive environment ....they get pretty tired by 20 years.

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark" <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 8:28 AM
Subject: replacing power steering lines with hoses

> Anyone have experience with replacing the metal power steering lines with
> hoses?  Seems like a good option for three reasons: 1) No need to drop the
> gas tank to do the work, 2) no need to worry about rusting lines again,
> and
> 3) it eliminates the junction in the middle of the metal lines -
> eliminating
> another potential spot for a leak to develop.  But there must have been
> some
> reason the vans with built with metal lines in the first place.
>
> Mark
>
> --
> Mark
> 1990 Westy (2.1 - manual)