Does the steering feel normal when driving on the road? Yes check tire pressure. Also lift the front and check the steering system for normal operation. It is rare but hi have seen the manual powers steering racks fail this way and once the angle gearbox. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Lauterbach
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2014 6:20 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Hard steering when van not moving

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