play in steering and toe in

ringoschariot Officially Full-On Dubber

282 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 28 Mar 2010, 11:02 am

#770438

Hi

I have three questions, I need help with

1) How much play is acceptable in a 1966 beetle steering, I have adjusted the steering box to its full extent but still have a lot of play at the steering wheel.

2) Are new steering boxes available for the 66 and how can I really tell if mine is beyond help? would packing it with fresh grease make any difference?

3) I recently fitted drop spindles and an adjustable beam and the front wheels ended up pointed outwards to a large degree. I know how to adjust the toe but i need to know what the normal straight ahead position is on the steering box without looking at the steering wheel.Can I tell by the notches on the steering box spindle ( the track rods connect to it) I think my steering wheel wasnt put on straight to start with.

cheers

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 · 28 Mar 2010, 6:03 pm

#770485

Aprox 25mm play,yes new boxes are available,no packing with grease would not help and you can find the centre of the box by turning lock to lock,counting the turns and halving it.We use approx 1.6mm toe in.

ringoschariot Officially Full-On Dubber

282 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 28 Mar 2010, 6:42 pm

#770496

thanks for that. I have about 5 cm of play both ways, you can turn the steering shaft by hand and see that it doesnt bite until then. Pitman arm is located correctly. Seems like the box has given up after after 44 years.

cheers