Ever since I bought this '86 syncro the power steering would groan when the steering wheel was turned. Groaned louder than I thought it should. I flushed the system with fresh ATF, swapped in another (used ) pump, used Seafoam atf cleaning concoction, wedged/secured the steel lines as they go forward from the pump to the undercarriage, cleaned (but not replaced) the fluid filter - all to no avail. I became used to the noise and forgot about it.

But ever since I did the head job on the engine I've been hyper aware of any engine noises and I just noticed that the groan has really diminished. In fact it is now pretty well what I'd consider normal, ie a bit of a groan at full lock.

Maybe the Vanagon Gods are toying with me.

alistair