On 3/18/2014 11:52 PM, SDF ( Scott Daniel Foss ) wrote:
> I would undo both tie rod ends, and then turn the steering..
> van jacked up, wheels off of course, and see if you feel anything then.
>
> that may or may not reveal something.
>
> On 3/18/2014 8:37 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>> Check the universal joint going to the rack. These will cause the
>> steering
>> to bind when it seizes. These joints are hard to find and expensive.
>> This
>> would be a good time to down grade to a manual rack if you can find one.
>>
>> Dennis
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
>> Behalf Of
>> Max Wellhouse
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 10:50 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Funny "catch" in the steering
>>
>> Hi:  A long trip to So. Missouri last w/e developed a strange symptom
>> in my
>> 90 GL that has close to 270k on it.  I removed the Power steering
>> pump and
>> metal lines some 7-8 years ago and capped off the steering sector
>> leaving
>> some fluid in there for lubrication thinking that I would eventually
>> convert
>> the van to a manual rack and tie rods.  That hasn't happened yet, as
>> I was
>> waiting until I had time to do the control
>> arm bushings etc. simultaneosly.   Well, now the van has developed a
>> definite "catching spot" or two while doing tight turn maneuvers, but
>> doesn't present itself going down the highway.
>>
>>
>> I'm wondering if this catch is related to a dry steering sector which
>> could
>> be alleviated by pouring some more ATF down in the system or whether the
>> original  control arm bushings upper ball joints(also OEM) might be to
>> blame.  If there's a third or fourth possiblity, I'd listen to that
>> as well.
>>
>> TIA
>>
>>
>> DM&FS
>>
Thanks Dennis and Scott for the input.  Time to get on my back once more!!!