ShopTalk Forums | Aircooled VW Tech & Restoration Help

I am trying to tighten up the steering in my early 73' GL super. (1302 front suspension)
so far I have replaced/added:
tie rods,
center link
pitman arm bushing
steering box (rebuilt)
u-joint shaft (from column to S. box)
control arm bushings (urethane)
sway bar and bushings (7/8 bar and urethane)
steering stabilizer
ball joints
strut tower bar

I still have 1-1.5" of play at best in the steering wheel, Yes, i have adjusted the box (both adjusters too!).


also my steering box has a "lump" on the right

I was wondering what you guys have tried to tighten up the steering?

also, what do you guys set your alighnment at (toe, camber,caster)

Thanks in advance.

nick

Gotta be the box as far as I can tell. If nothing else wobbles, the wobble has to be inside the box. Have a friend watch as all the parts are moved with the steering wheel.

Jason

If the steering box is anything like a 'standard' there should be some adjustment on it. Be very, VERY careful not to overadjust, you will ruin the box in a short amount of drive time. You would need to look for a locknut around a stud, you loosen up the nut and adjust the stud. Adjustments should be made on the order of 1/16 of a turn, no more. If the steering feels stiffer, like it's harder to turn the wheels, you went to far.

yeah, I adjusted the box, I think it's screwed. but out of the box it was VERY loose and had a Lump. I think I am going to cantact CIP1 and see what I can do. It may be too late, as I did all this a while ago.

any more suggestions are appreciated!

you say you adjusted it, so i assume you know about the adjustment nut inside the trunk. I've always tighted it till there is practically no play at all, and work down from there. Like metioned above, make sure you dont over do it, you will kill the box. Also, i noticed your list of replacement parts and I didn't see a new idler arm bushing mentioned. This is the number one cause of the shimmies, and once you get the steering box sorted out, will probably tighten up alot on your front end. I know that cip1.com sells an factory replacement or the bronze kind which, I'm never delt with, but seems to make sense..the harder the material, the less play = less wear etc, etc.

I did the Idler arm (pitman arm in my post ) I think the box is fuckered, with the lump, and all, right now it is as tight as I can get it and still has a good 1-2" play. uuuggggghhhh!!!

where have you guys bought your steering boxes, Is it pheesable to rebuild??

where do I get a rebuild kit??

REPLACE THE STEERING BOX...

I already did!!!!!!!!!!

replace it again?????
rebuilt steering box - $300
oops bad box,
rebuilt steerinig box - $300

= 600$ on rebuilt steering boxes, giving me a total of 4 boxes.

this is why i am considering a rebuild.