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