Good Idea to repair front end / steering myself?

rob53 Officially Full-On Dubber

385 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 30 Apr 2007, 4:20 pm

#588293

My steering on my 1500 beetle is a bit worn. I can hear rattles when driving on rough roads, and there is a fair amount of free play on the steering wheel. In addition, occasionally when I go faster than 70km/h the steering might shake, but this comes and goes? It does not always happen.
It's not the wheel balance, cause I checked that out, plus I got two new front tires.

The steering just doesn't feel as tight as it used to be.

Anyway, I am thinking of trying to have a go and fixing it myself. Should I have a go, or leave it to the professionals?

Thats not rust, it's ah ... orange primer ... yep that's what it is ...

mackaymanx Custom Title Time!

1,611 posts · joined Jan 2006 · 30 Apr 2007, 4:28 pm

#588296

If it is your balljoints you will still need to go to a professional to get them pressed in/out unless you have access to a good press.Tierod ends, steering damper and shockies are straightforward.

[ Edited on 30-4-2007 by mackaymanx ]

Quote of the week
"Do I wish to send them to you again, nope, no interest can't be bothered really, to much hassle for little or no return."

[IMG]https://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate2-18600.png[/IMG]

Dasdubber DAS Resto Haus

5,746 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 30 Apr 2007, 6:40 pm

#588348

You could try and adjust the steering box yourself (just make sure you don't over do it) - I'd suggest shelling out on a Bentley manual for your year (bit exy but well worth it).

Otherwise make sure you check your tie rod ends and steering damper too.

Good luck :thumb

www.dasrestoparts.com.au

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 30 Apr 2007, 7:39 pm

#588370

lots of free info here

http://www.vw-resource.com/front_suspension_links.html

Have a read and see what you think

Futue te ipsum!!!

rob53 Officially Full-On Dubber

385 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 1 May 2007, 10:11 am

#588514

Thanks for the advice. I bought the haynes and bentley books so I might give it a try. Just got to wait till the books arrive in the mail.

Thats not rust, it's ah ... orange primer ... yep that's what it is ...

BASHOdi Wolfsburg Wizard

441 posts · joined Nov 2006 · 2 May 2007, 8:30 am

#588755

Mate I've been quoted AUS$260.OO for the Bently manual, I've seen the identical one I was quoted on advertised for US$40.00 on a reputable US suppliers website --which equates to approx AUS $55.00 , could I ask how much you're paying and where you're getting it from ? I'm just interested ,
Cheers , Al .

rob53 Officially Full-On Dubber

385 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 2 May 2007, 9:40 am

#588774

I Think it is around $70 AU. I am getting it from www.pitstop.net.au.

[ Edited on 1-5-2007 by rob53 ]

Thats not rust, it's ah ... orange primer ... yep that's what it is ...

BASHOdi Wolfsburg Wizard

441 posts · joined Nov 2006 · 2 May 2007, 4:15 pm

#588840

Thanks for that,
Cheers ,
:beer
Al .