Setting play on steering box - Baywindow !!!

[spicydave]

Hi All,

Need some help

How do one set the play on the steering box on a Baywindow ?

Will it be best to take the bus to a specialist ?

Thanks
H

[fig]

It's quite straightforward. But, before we go into that, why do you want to adjust the steering box? Have you isolated excessive steering play to the box? Generally, on VW buses, the steering box is the last cause of steering play. You should exclude all other possibilities before messing with the box. Many steering boxes have been wrecked by unnecessary overtightening.

First check:
Drag link
Steering centre pin
Suspension ball joints
Tie rod ends
Wheel bearings

Once all the above are confirmed within spec and you still have play, then adjust the steering box as follows:
Raise the front of the car
Loosen the lock-nut on the adjustment screw
Screw in the adjuster a quarter of a turn at a time, then turn the steering from lock to lock, feeling for any resistance
When you feel you've adjusted the play out, without causing resistance when the steering is not facing straight ahead, then tighten the locknut, lower the jack and drive the bus to test the steering. Do this test in an empty parking lot or elsewhere where you have enough space. Turn the bus full lock left, and release the steering, then repeat with full lock right. It should return to centre on its own from full lock both sides. If there is any resistance preventing a strong self-centring action, then the steering box is over-adjusted and you should back off the adjuster until the steering self centres easily.

In general, the steering box wears most around the centre point. Adjusting this wear out usually makes the box too tight off centre.

There is also a thrust bearing on the end of the steering shaft, inside the box, which can be replaced if worn. Some engineering shops can remachine the worm and nut if these are badly worn, but usually you need to replace the steering box at this point.

[spicydave]

Thanks a mil Fig

I will follow your advice and revert back

[brucet]

I replaced everything Fig suggested and it sorted out my bus. I didnt need to adjust the steering box itself.

[No More Landy]

That was quick.

[brucet]

?

[73type2]

That was quick.

I think it was meant as a joke.

[brucet]

Sorry I missed the joke......I meant I did everything that Fig suggested and it worked for me so if Spicydave does what is recommended it will probably work.

[retrovan]

Sorry I missed the joke......I meant I did everything that Fig suggested and it worked for me so if Spicydave does what is recommended it will probably work.

No More Landys was under the impression that you where Spicydave and had fixed all the things that Fig mentioned, between posts,

Was just a Miss-interpretation of who said what......and who DID what ....when.....

Rather funny from this side......

Herman

[AlanH]

That's how I saw it as well.

[brucet]

[No More Landy]

Sorry, I seemed to miss that it was a different person that fixed all the listed items.

My mistake - I just thought the same guy had done all those suggested repairs in a couple hours and reported back that problem was solved.

[brucet]

[freddiebooysen]

Anybody that can suggest an engineering shop that can sort my steering box in Gauteng.
Or anyone that has one available that is till in good condition ?

[64 Notchback]

Hi Freddie
I have one but am unsure of condition and will not be avail for a couple of weeks as it is still in the bay sc that we need to cut up.