steering box question

will a beetle steering box from a US spec car be the same as on an Australian spec? obviously a US spec car is LHD, but is the steering box the same (as in, are they interchangable)?

[Edited on 2-11-2004 by cray]

I'm not entirely sure but I think you have to swap the pitman arm as the offset holes on the US one are different.. maybe...

Certainly with Supers the "arm" is located so as it pulls the tie rod one way.

As the box is located on the RHS it is curved to pull to the right

From my studied you cant turn this arm around

Will try and find a pic

Early boxes are the same I imagine....
even up to 1974 standards.... the pittman arm is different...

The supers may be different... and You are probably talking about a Super, as their steering boxes do wear out....
and they are very expensive.....

anyone know why Supers steering boxes wear out???

Lee

not talking about a super at all, talking about '68. there is a lot of wear in mine in the centre and at full lock at both ends.

the reason i ask is that most places in australia seem to want around $300 for a new steering box whereas i could get one landed from the states for around $130.

[Edited on 2-11-2004 by cray]

i have them at custom off road for $220 +freight

Have You tried adjusting the Large Nut on the bottom???

and the smaller adjustment at the top....??

Was there oil in steering box??

You should be able to pick up a good used one cheap...

they are always wrecking Beetles 68>74 standards....

Lee

How hard and expensive is it to modify a 71 super bug steering box to a rack and pinion style, 3 box's in 5 years.

68AutoBug wrote:Have You tried adjusting the Large Nut on the bottom???

and the smaller adjustment at the top....??

Was there oil in steering box??

You should be able to pick up a good used one cheap...

they are always wrecking Beetles 68>74 standards....

Lee

it's been adjusted but it makes no difference. there was no oil problem. it's just worn down.

the only place i've been able to find that would sell me one for a decent price had two there and one was just as bad as mine and the other was worse!

even volksbahn want $160 for a second hand one that wasn't much better than my own and they're usually pretty fair with prices. maybe i should buy the new one for $300 and see if i can sell mine for $150. :duh

[Edited on 2-11-2004 by cray]

When the steering box is being adjusted it should get tight in the centre and be loose everywhere else........ [top adjust]

Naturally You don't drive with the centre position tight.... but when adjusting them its usually only tight in the centre ....
and LOOSE everywhere else.....

If the shaft [to the steering wheel] moves up & down slightly when turning the steering wheel back & forth , the large nut at the bottom needs adjusting... otherwise its adjusted at the top....

there is a 70 model beetle - parts for sale on Here....

Lee