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Early Beetle Steering Box ( Need a new one)
FROSTY - May 4th, 2013 at 06:48 AM

Hi There,
I'm sure it has been asked before, what is the best brand of steering box to buy ?, or can they be rebuilt?
It's for a mate of mine as his is shagged!! I have adjusted it but it is just worn out.
He has had the king links done and also new tie rod ends.
Thanks
Jason frost

Anthiron - May 4th, 2013 at 07:09 AM

I bought a TRW box a few years back. It had done about 4.5 years in the car before I pulled it apart. Still on its origional adjustment and worked well.

Nicko

1916baja - May 4th, 2013 at 08:02 AM

Yeah dude, I've read that genuine trw are the only way to go.

steve burgess - May 4th, 2013 at 10:01 AM

Do not buy a cheap chinese copy as they are junk.I fitted one up and it was worse than the worn out one.When i pulled it apart the tolerance's were
shocking.On the sector shaft roller the end play was .006" when it should be zero,which equals about 2'' of wheel movement.It was thrown in the bin and a TRW box was fitted.Also they come empty and need to be filled with grease

Lucky Phil - May 5th, 2013 at 12:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by steve burgess
they come empty and need to be filled with grease

I was told that the TRW box was no good cos thet didn't last.
This is probably why!
I have a new trw box on the shelf waiting to be fitted.
Would I have pulled it apart and greased it before fitment?
My guess would be, no.

psimitar - May 5th, 2013 at 07:04 PM

pretty sure my new one is a TRW. Cost enough from Micks :no:

Anyway, not impressed as have properly adjusted it and turning right I have no play but turning left I've about an inch of play. Not cool on something that's brand new :(

RISKY4LIFE - May 5th, 2013 at 08:49 PM

yeah i tryed to buy a trw box of rod just over a week ago and he said he would not sell me one as all the trw boxes he got in stock where crap ! heaps of play brand new !

Camo - May 5th, 2013 at 09:37 PM

Funny how you read different views.

I just fitted a TRW on Saturday and drove it today down to Berry. Was bloody great to just sit there not having to constantly keep correcting the steering wheel to keep straight, no free play like the last cheap one. Although I must say the steering does feel a bit heavier, but I thought this may be just as it's brand new and tight.

So far, I'm very happy with the TRW.

Kev

psimitar - May 6th, 2013 at 12:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Camo
Funny how you read different views.

I just fitted a TRW on Saturday and drove it today down to Berry. Was bloody great to just sit there not having to constantly keep correcting the steering wheel to keep straight, no free play like the last cheap one. Although I must say the steering does feel a bit heavier, but I thought this may be just as it's brand new and tight.

So far, I'm very happy with the TRW.

Kev


Did you check the play before driving it? If it's too tight then you'll kill it pretty quick.

I'm wondering if I may have done this driving it 20k from storage to home? Hard to say tho :(

68AutoBug - May 6th, 2013 at 12:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by FROSTY
Hi There,
I'm sure it has been asked before, what is the best brand of steering box to buy ?, or can they be rebuilt?
It's for a mate of mine as his is shagged!! I have adjusted it but it is just worn out.
He has had the king links done and also new tie rod ends.
Thanks
Jason frost


Have You adjusted the large nut or just the top small adjuster screw??

I heard TRW were crap many years ago..??

There should be plenty of good old ones still about..

interesting about the new boxes coming without grease??

Moly lithium based grease should be used..

also, good idea to fit a late model collapsible steering shaft so the steering wheel doesn';t get pushed in, in an accident..

LEE

steve burgess - May 6th, 2013 at 10:13 AM

Also found the new TRW steering box was not properly adjusted as mentioned.It was way to tight which is why it has a tight (heavy feel).
Best to get a old one and pull it apart to check the cond. They also were filled with oil .

FROSTY - May 6th, 2013 at 07:23 PM

So the consensus (sorry for the spelling) is that TRW are a bit hit and miss..... Is there another brand that is worth buying? I bought a TRW about ten years ago and it was perfect.

psimitar - May 6th, 2013 at 09:22 PM

Well I've heard of these guys b4, as I'm from pom land, but couldn't say if they're any good anymore. Give ema ring and ask.

Varga Steering Box.

You could also check out CSP in Germany, may have a German brand, or Wolfsburg West, in California.