[jyl]

Replaced the high pressure power steering hose in the Vanagon. The original German hose is mostly NLA, only occasionally available and at a high price ($300+). But one of the US parts vendors has a pretty close replacement. There is a brass threaded plug, Allen socket, that you transfer from the old hose’s banjo fitting to the new one. Ok, a 4 mm Allen is too small, a 5 mm is too large, WTF is this the mythical and detestable 4.5 mm size? Took the hoses to an autoparts shop to see if they had that size. The manager found the needed tool, wire brushed the threads, applied thread tape, installed the brass plug - no charge, just old school good service. He’s the new manager, the shop has been running understaffed with no manager and employees working double shifts with no time off. This new guy is getting the shop in shape, it’s clean, well stocked, looking up.