My '87 Westy (84k miles) is dumping power steering out fluid out
of the rack seals into the boots at each end. The Bentley manual
says to replace the power steering assembly when this happens.The
local honest VW shop has quoted me $550 for the unit (not including
labor).

My questions are:

Is this a typical problem, kinda like the head gasket ordeal?

Does anybody know of a cheaper alternative to replacing the whole
unit. Can it be rebuilt, are they readily  available?

The problen started about a month ago when I turned the wheel and
heard the the classic dry cylinder noise. I had neglected to check
the fluid for a year and the reservoir was dry. I then added some
'off the shelf' power steering fluid instead of the ATF Dexron which
is spec'd by VW.  Could this have caused the failure.

This comes at an opportune time since I'm leaving this weekend for an
annual trip to baja and it looks like I'll have to be tentin' it
outta the Toyota PU instead of living in style along the desolate
coast like I've done in the camper the last 6 years. : (

Tell me there's hope,

Kevin Sullivan
'87 syncro westy
Soquel,  CA