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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: allsierra123 on March 03, 2009, 11:45:44 am

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: allsierra123 on March 03, 2009, 11:45:44 am

Ok how important really is the power steering? Could I leave the pump off? The stock T stat housing on the AAz interferes with the passenger side motor mount bracket. So I changed housings the new one interferes with mounting the PS pump. Any Ideas or suggestions would be helpful at this point Im about to ditch the pump. How badly would I miss It and would it cause any other problems with a van that previously had it?

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: Sam Johnson on March 03, 2009, 07:31:31 pm

Allsierra123,

About six months ago I changed my 1988 Vanagon with PS to manual.  As Andrew suggested you want to locate a manual steering gear and switch them out.   I ran mine for a while with the PS steering wheel and that was okay.  Eventually I switched to a manual steering wheel and it does make a difference but not all that much.  

I was concerned it might be like driving an old tractor but even my wife drives the Van without any problem.  You will get used to the difference fairly quickly.   Of course you only feel it when you are parking or turning from a stop.  On the road their is no difference.

Good luck,  Sam
Tucson, AZ

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: the caveman on March 03, 2009, 08:13:04 pm

Dump the pump, get some exercise while parking.

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: syncroserge on March 04, 2009, 06:57:50 am

Try the JX t-stat elbow first, 030 121 121 B, $12 from the dealer.
No interference with the motor mount or ps pump on the ones I've seen.

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: blackdogvan on March 04, 2009, 09:36:20 am

I hate to admit it but I've been driving around with a dead pump for a while & a new pump in box on my desk mocking me daily. Can't say I really miss it that much tho, just notice it parking.

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: allsierra123 on March 04, 2009, 10:24:34 am

good to know. Anyone know of an online dealer I can order from? We dont have one closer than 100 miles away.

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: syncroserge on March 04, 2009, 11:31:26 am

Here, https://www.1stvwparts.com/partscat.html

there, http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/genuine-part-adapter_41627.html

shouldn't be hard to find it's on 98-01 Passat also.

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: arb on March 04, 2009, 11:58:59 am

I removed the PS from my 92' Caravan for my diesel conversion.... I'm sure it will be just fine. I had to adapt a 1988 new manual rack & pinion as they stopped making a manual version on that bigger vehicle.

Title: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: syncroserge on March 04, 2009, 02:40:48 pm

I ran my syncro westy for 5 years  with a 1,6td with the pump on and off.
I couldn't find a setup that pleased me, but a loaded syncro westy can be
a handfull off-road without the pump.

I agree though that it's not that bad. Yanking the pump or switching to a
manual rack is just fine.

Title: Re: trouble with my aaz into 91 vanagon conversion PS pump
Post by: Syncroincity on November 12, 2009, 08:53:25 pm

Thanks for that, Andrew, I wasn't aware of that particular AAZ issue. :P

Nice work-around.