Board Logo

Loose/Late reaction steering
Jake - April 26th, 2003 at 05:26 AM

Hey all,
Well I've got my first Kombi sitting home in the garage (I'll upload pics when I get them). Everything about it is great, I absolutely love it, except there is a bit of a problem with the steering wheel. When going straight, the wheel feels loose and I have to continually make fairly large movements just to keep it going straight. It also feels as if it has a late reaction since I am swerving all over the road. When I turn though it seems to work fine and I feel in control so I'm unsure as to the problem. Any help?


fish - April 26th, 2003 at 05:53 AM

what year kombi are we looking at. If its a split screen, they all do that. try tightening up the small screw on the steering box or replace most of the steering stuff with new or reco.. cheers, fish


Jake - April 26th, 2003 at 07:09 AM

yeah its a 1962 splitty. If they all do that then I might get a new steering system since I can't imagine myself driving for hours on end having to constantly swerve all over the road. Thanks fish.


Robo - April 26th, 2003 at 07:12 AM

If it was a windy day, Kombi's are prone to being thrown around by it!
Also check the play in the steering box, and adjust it, check the ball joints (looks like tie rod ends)on the end of the steering linkage rod, the long one that comes off the steering box pittman arm, to the swing lever, any lateral movement and it is shot.
Also grab the two tie rod ends, the ones at the swing lever end, and grab them both in the one hand and try to push up, if there is movement, the swing leaver bush's are worn.
Give the swing lever and all the suspension a good dose of quality grease.

Good luck. Rob