TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Jun 28, 2004 8:18 pm

when I hit even a small bump in my fastback the steering wheel turns itself. Can this be dangerous at 60 mph+ on the freeway? Can it be fixed? I think I heard it's what happens when you lower a T3. :?

Mon Jun 28, 2004 8:25 pm

My notch is lowered (look at my Avatar) and I don't get bump steer. Did you lower the car and it started doing it? Is your car heavily lowered (on the weeds)? Have you looked under your front end to make sure there are no loose screws and that your steering damper is in good condition?

What year?

Mon Jun 28, 2004 8:34 pm

It's a 68, not nearly as low as yours, and it's been doing it since I bought it (allready lowered by PO) I'll get under it in the morning to see if anything's loose.

Mon Jun 28, 2004 9:19 pm

Check your alignment, specifically your toe settings.

Mon Jun 28, 2004 10:05 pm

Lowering the front does increase bump steer - this is because the castor angle decreases as you lower the car - on a beetle this is easy to overcome - either fit castor shims or even better fit dropped spindles in the first place.

Bert - the guy from belguim who does the airbag stuff for type 3's maybe offering dropped spindles I think - but he's the only one - they're not available yet from other sources (someone should jump on this - they'd probably make a fortune).

Castor shims are not available for a type 3 BUT there is a trick you can do which may increase the castor a bit.

The rubber mounts that sit behind the front beam are tapered - you can swap them up the other way to increase the castor a bit.

Hope this helps.

Mon Jun 28, 2004 10:27 pm

Also look at replacing your steering dampner. They dont fail all of the time, but when they do, bump steer is the first thing you notice

Tue Jun 29, 2004 1:09 am

Don't be tempted to try and fit anti-bump steer bushes to your steering joints. I did this on my square and it just felt all wrong afterwards. I'm in the process of turning them back over.
Sounds to me like you may have a worn steering balljoint on one side. Jack it up so both front wheels are in the air and check there is no play in your steering. If no play, change your damper first.
:)