My experience is limited to earlier buses, but putting a new steering
damper on cured just those symptoms for a few buses that I know of.  Does
it even have a steering damper?
Russell

> At 07:00 AM 8/25/98 +0000, Rick Ferguson wrote:
> >Hi, Thanks for replying. This all seems to have started when I
> >replaced the springs on the rear, raising the van up level like it
> >should be...the alignment shop told me that now they could get a
> >proper alignment. The tires are Yoko 370s the shocks are Bilstien two
> >years old. The power steering pump and rack were replaced about two
> >years ago as well...My local VW shop completely checked out the front
> >end and say everything is good there, they also say it is not in the
> >steering. They are stumped, the alignment shop says that it is
> >because of the rack and pinion steering and that's all they can
> >do...and they have a very good reputation around here. The VW shop
> >disagrees and say that other Vanagons and Westies don't have this
> >problem. Basically there is a play in the steering when I go over
> >bumps in the road...almost like one wheel is going over the bump
> >first then the other and it causes the bus to feel slightly out of
> >control, sometimes more than slightly...this is even more
> >nervewracking at higher speed in the wind, altho on smooth surface
> >the bus does ok. I'm at a place where a new engine is needed but I
> >must get this resolved before I can justify the further expense. I
> >love my Westie and want to keep it but I'm frustrated by this
> >problem. Thanks again for any advice.
> >Rick
> >