Steering Gear in 02 Bug Stripped, How DIfficult to change?

[byronic1]

Hey everyone, new here and I think I have a doosey of a problem that I could use some advice on. I just changed the clutch assembly in my wifes 02 bug (2.0 engine). One of trhe last thing I put on was the power steering line leading from the pump (low-hang pump) to the steering gear (or at least thats what chilton called it). I guess I got to anxious to finish the job and stripped the threads from the steering gear. Now it leaks as though nothing were in there at all. Has anyone changed one of these or knows if this is a job that is beyong a drive way fix job, and I should call in the professionals? We are tight on cash (thats why I changed the clutch pad myself). Any info or tips would be much appriciated.

[hako]

What a bummer!....the car can be driven without power steering but it will be heavier plus the innards will have minimal lubrication...
I'd guess you've tried to unscrew the union and clean the threads and try and rescrew it .....can you move the pipes away to allow access for a tap to clean the threads up though you'd have to be careful of the tiny bits of metal getting in the oil.
Ideally you could remove it and rethread it on the bench but thats a lot of work. If you call in the professionals it could end up costing more than the car is worth unless they are resourceful - in my part of the world (Australia)
it would mean a tow job then a new steering gear and maybe a new pump (might be contaminated sir)....but maybe you could be luckier.
If the thread thats buggered is the return line then the pressure will be less and maybe you could get that thread back in line.
Ayway, best of luck mate, I don't envy you.