1987 VW Cabriolet Power Steering

1987 VW Cabriolet
4 cylinder
5 speed
AC

I recently bought this Cab with several known problems.

One was a leak in the power steering box/rack which the former owner resolved by rerouting the hydraulic line from the PS pump back to the reservoir. It no longer leaks and the various belts all seem to be in order... it looks as if removing the PS pump/belt is not feaseable...

Also, I plan to give this to my daughter who is not the huge brute that I am and might have trouble with the lame steering. It seems as if replacing it with a new PS rack or even a manual rack would (mostly) resolve this.

How hard is this? Can the manual rack be used? Will it improve turning significantly from an unpowered power rack?

- Steve

A manual rack would work better than an unpowered power rack. A replacement power rack is available on the aftermarket for <$200. It is a bit of a pain to replace as the driver's side subframe has to be lowered enough to get the rack out.

Thanks!

I'd prefer the manual rack option. All I see on the internet are manual racks for rabbits up to 1987, not cabriolet... I'mbetting they are swapable, I just imagine they never offered the Cabriolet model w/o PS?

If I go that route, I also want to get rid of the PS pump but right now it is an integral part of the pulley system. I presume the manual steering models have different pulleys/belts?

Anyone know?