power steering problem

[Big Boris]

hi all,
just got back from west wales and we had a problem with the power steering,took it to a garage they had a look and said fluid was low and the power steering belt needs renewing as it is worn ,they couldnt see where the fluid was leeking from,has anyone else had this issue with thier van.we have a 89 westy california 1.6td hightop,the garage we took it too was in manorbier top guy only wanted a fiver for having a look and toping up the fluid,ive had to top it up twice since and at £7 quid a litre cant really keep on like this ,any advice would be greatly appreciated TA.

[Bert2]

The system is not that big a system, get someone to move the steering wheel from full lock to full lock while you are looking under the van, place your self somewhere safe where you can see the pipework and the steering rack you should be able to see some leakage from somewhere, dont forget to check the pump as well while this is going on, you should be able to pin point a leak if you are losing fluid. You need someone moving the wheel as the pressure is at its highest then and that's when the leak will occur good luck

[big red bus]

metal pipes that run front to rear corroded and at 20+ years old probably are your culprit. get an assitant to trun lock to lock and you should beable to trace leak.

[billy739]

if no signs of a leak , pull back the rubber gaitors on the rack , they should only have a bit of grease in them , NO red fluid!

if there is fluid then the rack needs a rebuild /replacement