At 10:04 AM 8/18/98 +0000, you wrote:
>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?
>
I had the same problem ( though I never pumped out all of the fluid ). After
checking on rebuilt racks, I decided to remove the belt driving the pump.
To my surprise, I found NO difference in steering effort at freeway speeds;
parking lots, U turns, etc are harder.  I just consider it a bit of a workout!
I also found that my gas mileage went up by at least 3 mpg.  I would give it
a try before investing in a new rack.

Regards,
                Chris

87 Wolfie