JohnM wrote:
>
> I have a 71 VW (non-super). The steering seems tight but when
turning
> the wheel it seem to have a lose or soft spot. The tie rods, ball
> joints, steering damper have all been replaced. I think it is the
> steering box adjustment. I've read Muir's and haynes and the
> instructions are confusing. I know it has two adjustments, the large
> nut on the front and the locknut/screw on top. How do I adjust? With
> the wheels on the ground or raised. How do I back them off and start
> over? I can't climb on with a friend driving like Muir suggests.
>
> Also, does any one know it the read control arms can be out of
> alignment front to back. My left and right seem to out of alignment
> with each other?
>
> Would either or both of these issues cause the VW to seem to be all
> over the road at highway speed? I would appreciate any help. Thanks,
> John
>>>>>>>>>> FROM Sean; I beleive the top is a shimm adjustment here im
not sure but no matter not worth messin with over the price of a
steerin box ? On other adjustment quite easy and usually work,s ta
tighten steering up ? But first gotta understand that a badd
steering dampner is usually what causes this ? You should replace
the steering dampner shock ? <,Meaning that a quite common problem
here with the volkswagen steering boxes that road vibration , and a
bad Dampner ? commonly cause the top of the steering box too come
loose ? This requires blue loctite a retorqueing of the 13 mm bolt,s
on top of the steering box itself ? Too do this ya need ta back the
worm drive adjustment off like a 1/4 turn ? then blue loctite the
top steering box bolts and retorque um ? Ok under the hood, and you
should see a plate with a screw holding it over the top of the
steering box ? Remove this plate and you should be able too see the
steering box . << Be 4 - 13 mm bolt,s with a 17mm locking nut on an
adjustment screw ? Ok now here my memmory is kinda vague so check me
against your manual make sure i got this entirely right ??But turn
the steering wheel all the way too the right . Back 17mm locking nut
of the screw , and dont let the screw turn ? Then back the screw off
like 1/8 of a turn from it,s original posistion . Then retorque the
13mm cover bolt,s on top of the steering box. <<only If it,s loose ?
check bolt,s with a wrench if there not loose leave um alone ? But
with the wheel,s turned all the way too the right you just tighten
the adjusting screw till it touches then back it off like a 1/8 of a
turn . Then lock intoo posistion by tightening the lock nut ? Then
check the steering for poppin, tight spot,s, etc. If ya gott any of
that goin on then your simply gonna have ta replace the steering box
? <<Pretty simple ? And loose steering box cover,s are quite common
on bugg,s ? Just check me with the manual tho ? I usually skip thru
a manual on this just ta make sure i remember it right ? Also check
your steerin wheel shaft rubber mount where it bolt,s too the
steering box shaft ?<<Hold the wheel,s from turning while some one
jerk,s steering wheel back and forth ? <<Look for part,s that jump ?
Tire iron under the wheel,s pry up and down, and around etc.
Sean