additionally ..( to the tire pressure comment )
if you do think the steering system itself is stiff or binding .
jack up the front end off the ground,
then see how stiff it feels.

'nice thick tread' on the front tires helps too. Like if you get new
tires, sometimes you'll notice the low speed steering effort is better
with thicker tread .

also ..to do it really more right, support the weight of the van under
the lower a-arms as far outboard as you can get,
as the ball joints in the hanging down position may bind a bit more that
if mostly level as in normal operation.

I have seen a ( pretty rare ) stiff ball joint or tie rod end.
In that case, the next step is to undo one tie rod to see if you can
isolate stiffness to one side or the other.

don't tell anyone ..but when I see a hole in a BJ boot ..
I lube the BJ through that hole with spary pentrating motorcycle chain
grease.

( I've kept a rear innner CV joint alive and well for some 25+ yrs on my
44 yr old Mercedes sedan that way. )

I've never seen a stiff non-power steering Steering Rack ..amazing how
well those things last !

scott

On 9/13/2014 12:31 PM, Ben wrote:
> Have you checked your tire pressure?
>
>
> BenT
> sent from my electronic leash
>
>> On Sep 13, 2014, at 3:20 PM, John Lauterbach <john@JHL.MGACOXMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>
>> Either I am getting older or my '84 Vanagon is getting older or I have
>> a steering problem.  My driveway is tight, and as soon as the front
>> clears the garage door, I need to do a hard right turn before I back
>> into the driveway and then a hard left turn to go forward.  Steering
>> seems awfully stiff.  Van does not have power steering.
>>
>> John