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On hard rights, steering wheel on straight roads goes centre, on lefts it doesn...
bajachris88 - April 25th, 2012 at 12:46 AM

Another dilemma,
I try to take the initiative to work these things by myself these days, but this one got me stumped.

If i turn hard right, when i drive out of the corner and drive straight, my steering wheel is positioned straight (as per normal).

If i turn hard left, when i dr ive out of the corner and drive straight, my steering wheel is positioned partially around (not straight) yet my car is driving straight.

There is no excessive steering play (when i'm driving straight in my new steering wheel position), steering components are all near new, and it does not wonder. I have replaced a pitman arm recently to the correct model. I did tighten up the pitman arm pretty tight, but i didn't want to go to far incase i broke the bolt. Is this just a typical rural feel for the old torsion bar front end? keeping in mind the dimensions with how jacked up it is might throw it out of whack.

Apparently the way the suspension squats can influence the steering, could the roll in the corners leave the outside corner wheels squatting at the front when exiting the corner? Thus changing the steering somewhat?

Thanks lads,
Chris.


Smiley - April 25th, 2012 at 01:56 PM

I'd be checking to see that the splined section is done up tight where the steering box connects to the steering shaft.

If it is loose and can spin slightly you will find that it is turning around against the through bolt. And when you turn one direction or the other it is stopping against either side of the through bolt leaving your steering wheel in different positions.

I'd be making sure that the spline isn't too badly stripped or worn away and make sure that the connections on both sides of the rubber disc are super tight.

I hope this helps as it's a little hard to explain. Let us know how you go.



Smile :)


beetleboyjeff - April 25th, 2012 at 05:11 PM

Another thought, just check your steering box is tight on the beam, and not moving slightly.


bajachris88 - April 25th, 2012 at 11:13 PM

Thanks heaps guys! :tu:

I will check each one. I understand Smilie about the coupling with the bolt through the flat section of the splined shaft. will take a sticky beak :). I'll tighten it all up after inspecting, drive it around and centre my wheel :D


68AutoBug - April 25th, 2012 at 11:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajachris88
Another dilemma,
I try to take the initiative to work these things by myself these days, but this one got me stumped.

If i turn hard right, when i drive out of the corner and drive straight, my steering wheel is positioned straight (as per normal).

If i turn hard left, when i dr ive out of the corner and drive straight, my steering wheel is positioned partially around (not straight) yet my car is driving straight.

There is no excessive steering play (when i'm driving straight in my new steering wheel position), steering components are all near new, and it does not wonder. I have replaced a pitman arm recently to the correct model. I did tighten up the pitman arm pretty tight, but i didn't want to go to far incase i broke the bolt. Is this just a typical rural feel for the old torsion bar front end? keeping in mind the dimensions with how jacked up it is might throw it out of whack.

Apparently the way the suspension squats can influence the steering, could the roll in the corners leave the outside corner wheels squatting at the front when exiting the corner? Thus changing the steering somewhat?

Thanks lads,
Chris.


Hi Chris
check the steering box clamp
the one that holds the steering box to the torsion arm..
there is a notch on either side.. one is for a beetle and one is for a karmann ghia..

If it was painted like mine You wouldn't see the marks and arrows stamped into the clamp...
I had that issue and the same thing happened..

cheers

LEE

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/51057/2319024170050767931S500x500Q85.jpg


matberry - April 26th, 2012 at 08:25 AM

Check both of the coupling spline pinch bolts. Make SURE they are tight WITH A SPANNER.