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Steering Box
64blackbettle - April 24th, 2012 at 09:50 PM

Hi, I just picked up a new TRW Steering box and was wondering....when you turn the shaft on the box that connects to the steering shaft should it be smooth like turning the pedal on a bike or should it feel a little tight or bumpy??

If anyone could help I'd appreciate it. Cheers


Lucky Phil - April 25th, 2012 at 08:19 PM

I bought one recently and it was smooth to turn. Haven't fitted it yet.
I have had somenegative feedback about these units. Supposedly they dont last long.
My car needs to go for inspection so longevity wasn't a priority.
Try backing off the adjuster a little. It may be overtightened.


68AutoBug - April 25th, 2012 at 08:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 64blackbettle
Hi, I just picked up a new TRW Steering box and was wondering....when you turn the shaft on the box that connects to the steering shaft should it be smooth like turning the pedal on a bike or should it feel a little tight or bumpy??

If anyone could help I'd appreciate it. Cheers



I presume You have an early beetle..[before 1968]
I think turning the steering wheel should be smooth..
but turning it by the shaft may be a bit difficult..
they should be adjusted with the wheels straight ahead
otherwise when You turn the steering wheel to either side the steering will get tight..
I would have thought a new steering box would be adjusted correctly..
do You have any play in the steering , when You move the wheel back and forth??
You shouldn't have any play... that is the main thing..

what was wrong with the old steering box??

LEE

Does the new box have grease or oil in it?? its not dry is it?


68AutoBug - April 25th, 2012 at 08:28 PM

Hi

reading Your post again..
it will probably feel notchy or bumpy...

as that is how they were..

LEE


64blackbettle - April 25th, 2012 at 08:55 PM

Thanks or the feedback. I haven't fitted the new box to the beam yet as I'm slowly rebuilding the whole front end. I'm not sure if it has any grease or oil but I assume not cause it's brand new. The old box was completely stuffed. I had it checked out by a VW mechanic in Thomastown Melbourne who is also going to rebuild the brakes, tie rid ends etc so I'll get him to cheek it out.


psimitar - April 28th, 2012 at 10:43 PM

brand new it should be smooth. They get a bit notchy if it's a worn but adjusted box when the centre area is fairly worn.

Back it off a touch until it goes smooth but then see how much backlash you have. Too much backlash off the car will mean possible inches on the car before the steering wheel actually turns the wheels.