TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Jul 07, 2003 8:31 pm

Hi all, I have a 66 bus that has some handling issues and wondered if anyone could help. i've had a 71 bug for 6 years and just bought my first bus in february. the steering is terrible. i hit bumps on the road and it seems to have it's own personality and goes where it wants. it wanders quite a bit even at low speeds. my vw mechanic put a new steering linkage and bushings in it and it's a little better, but not nearly where i think it should be. i know the alignment is way off, but i'll give you some specs so you know where i'm coming from. this is how i bought it, so forgive me if i'm way off. 3 1/2" drop spindles in the front, freeway flyer type 1 rear end, and skinnier tires in the front than the back. my mechanic said i may need to put a new steering gearbox on? what about sway bars? also, what are camber shims or camber compensators. any help is much appreciated. Thanks.
Derek.

Wed Jul 09, 2003 8:54 pm

All the modifications have affected the original design and engineering. I bought a '66 that was lowered and it handled like shit until I raised it back up to stock.

Wed Jul 09, 2003 9:24 pm

You might want to try adjusting (tightening) your steering box to take any play out of that. How skinny are your front tyres? I have 195/50's on the front of mine, they make it handle alot better than before.

Thu Jul 10, 2003 4:39 pm

What about your Center "Swing Lever" Arm...This is bad on my bus, and I need to get it fixed, Check out vintagebus.com for the Tech on how to replace it, or at least what i"m talking about, if you don't know. The Drag link is another thing to check out. since that gets the most abuse. Pushing and pulling on it constantly! I replaced mine while back and took out about 2 inches of play in the wheel! Definitly though, get an alignment, as well as check your Steering Dampner Up front (The sideways shock thing) That helps keep things a little straighter. Good Luck!

James
www.geocities.com/indianvwkid

Thu Jul 10, 2003 4:40 pm

sorry....
http://www.geocities.com/indianavwkid/

Fri Jul 11, 2003 10:31 am

Thanks for the good info. I appreciate the help.
Derek.

Sat Jul 12, 2003 5:20 pm

lay under the bus. Have somebody turn the wheel slowly back and forth while you watch for play somewhere. the moment the steering shaft turns the wheels should be turning. if not you should be able to pinpoint where the slack is. you'll be able to see if the play is in the stearing box. if that's your problem I've got a nice steering box I could cut you a good deal on.

Wed Jul 23, 2003 9:14 am

Scudcruiser,
I've been on vacation so i'm just getting back to this. I haven't had a chance to check the steering box yet, but i would be interested in that box you have. you can email me at peckd9274@hotmail.com and let me know how much you'd be willing to sell it for. Thanks for the help.
Derek.

Fri Jul 25, 2003 4:12 pm

Jazzed, are you a lowered car hater? Every bus I have owned (For that matter, every car) has handled better after I lowered them. Its all about doing it right.

Fri Jul 25, 2003 10:37 pm

What kind of tires are you running? If you're not running stiff enough walls, they will throw you all over the road!