[T2] Loose steering on 73 bus

[c.dreike]

Any competent mechanic whether they specialize in American iron, 
Japanese aluminum or European gold should be able to diagnose the 
steering system in an air cooled VW. The mechanics are just so simple 
and straightforward.
Steering wheel turns a shaft connected to a gear box, connected to a 
lever arm, connected to the drag link, connected to the swing lever, 
connected to the tie rods, connected to the spindle. If any joint is 
loose, replace it.

Just google "vw bus front end drawing" and you will find lots of 
pictures of your front end.

Chris
64DD Kamper Kit


On 7/18/2018 6:30 PM, Al Brase wrote:
> New shop say the new ball joints might be too tight. It is true, it is
> possible someone might damage them. But how would that  lead to looseness?
> I feel the mechanics around Coronado, might not be VW bus savvy. Things
> have really gone downhill in 50 years since I was in PB.
>
> On Wed, Jul 18, 2018 at 4:02 PM, Dave Gillingham <dave at coronado-realty.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi list:
>>
>> Looking for ideas on how to fix the steering in my bus.  Just got it a few
>> weeks ago.  Steering was super stiff.  The PO said the ball joints (and tie
>> rod ends, I think) had been replaced.  Took it to a brake and suspension
>> shop and they diagnosed a bad steering box.  Got a “new” one and it
>> loosened the steering a bit, but it was still very sloppy (at least 6” of
>> play) and would not properly center after a turn.  Replaced the very old
>> tires with new reinforced sidewall tires in case that was contributing.  No
>> help.  Got another “new” box, same symptoms.
>>
>> What is most alarming is that the bus will suddenly act like there has been
>> steering input when there hasn’t!
>>
>> Third new box (and a different shop) may be marginally better (only about
>> 2” of play in the wheel), but at times it feels almost  disconnected from
>> the front end.  The new shop thinks the ball joints maybe too tight and
>> suggested that they replace them.  I’m not sure I understand how that could
>> contribute to the problem even if true.
>>
>> Anybody have any ideas?
>> --
>>
>> Dave Gillingham, Owner/Broker
>>
>> License # 01184185
>>
>> o:  (619) 435-0145
>>
>> e:  dave at coronado-realty.com <natalie at coronado-realty.com>
>>
>> a: 1111 9th St #202, Coronado, CA 92118
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