John,

        Use that old rack.  And report back.  

If in original packaging why not give it a try?  

With three vans to work on you must be in van improvement heaven. 

I hope you have one up and running soon., if you don’t already!

Eric Caron 

> On Apr 17, 2021, at 5:29 PM, John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Dennis, thanks for the heads up on the GoWesty PS Rack. I will lookmat that
> next time around. Believe it or not, I have a brand spanking new, vacuum
> packed steering rack on hand. However, it's quite old. Like 10-12 years. I
> think I got it from Van Cafe waaaay back when. I'm wondering if I dare use
> it. I guess I could try it and see if it explodes!! Nothing ventured,
> nothing gained!
> 
> BTW, do you still make the famous Haynes trailor hitch. Mine has worked
> great all these years, but it looks like I may need another one for this
> newer(to me) van I just got.
> 
> On Sat, Apr 17, 2021, 4:13 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> I suggest going for the bucks and get this one.
>> 
>> https://www.gowesty.com/product/steering/24641/power-steering-rack-new-?v=
>> 
>> All new, they work, and man do they have power assist. Almost feel like
>> the steering isn’t connected. No more groans and playing with special hoses
>> or needlessly replacing the pump. Part of the problem with rebuilds is that
>> many are worn beyond what a seal kit will fix. While it is out consider
>> getting better mounting bushings.
>> 
>> Dennis
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of John
>> Rodgers
>> Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 4:41 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Power steering rack
>> 
>> I have been looking at power steering racks and the prices to me are out
>> landish. On my '85 van with power steering, I had a bad leak.I was in
>> Alaska at the time when I bought the van. I got a really good price because
>> of that leak. The car lot was afraid of cost and nobody really didn't know
>> what to do with it. The nearest deslership was 150 miles away.  Distance
>> from anything is one reason so many Alaskans become very self sufficient.
>> The dealership for VW wanted $1250 plus parts to fix it. I bought a seal
>> kit from the parts department for $85. A couple of hours later it was going
>> back in the van. Never had a problem again.
>> 
>> I don't know if you can do this now, but sure seems a better way to go.
>> $500 plus or minus for a power steering rack seems mighty steep to me.
>>