Author |
Message |
Woreign Samba Member
Joined: June 04, 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: Crestview FL
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:11 am Post subject: Stiff Steering |
|
|
I just replaced the ball joints on my Thing and now my steering is very stiff. The alignment shop said that the ball-joints need some time to wear in and that the steering should loosen up. Does this sound right?
I read on another website that the stiff steering may indicate a lack of lubrication at the ball joints. I was under the impression that the ball joints are pre-lubed and sealed. I even peeked under one of the boots and saw some white lithium grease.
If I needed to lube the ball joints, how would I? I heard that installing zerk fittings on the top of the joints would be the best way. But then you risk getting metal debris inside the joint.
Any thoughts or comments? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
KGCoupe Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2005 Posts: 3580 Location: Putting the "ill" and "annoy" in Illinois
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
If your steering stays stiff for more than four hours, seek medical attention.
Oh, sorry. Clearly a sign I watch too much TV. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Woreign Samba Member
Joined: June 04, 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: Crestview FL
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Unless the wife says otherwise... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
xeno Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2006 Posts: 653 Location: Mile High
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I bet those U/L ball joints were replaced because they were loose (old) and now it steers like new. Most ball joints are sealed. It will get better over time (especially if you hit the gym).
-X |
|
Back to top |
|
|
7thing3 Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2003 Posts: 473 Location: Cleveland, OH
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Make sure you check the power steering fluid and make sure it is topped off right to the mark (when hot). |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Towel Rail Horizontally Opposed
Joined: April 15, 2005 Posts: 4622 Location: SE CR IA US NA PE
|
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
7thing3 wrote: |
Make sure you check the power steering fluid and make sure it is topped off right to the mark (when hot). |
Good call! Be sure to check the ATF while you're in there. _________________ 1974 Thing -- under the knife
1967 Beetle -- spring/summer/fall driver
1996 Subaru OBW (EJ22, 5-speed, AWD) -- winter car, 3-seasons "don't feel like biking today" car
049 > 070 > 053 > 009 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Woreign Samba Member
Joined: June 04, 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: Crestview FL
|
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
Maybe I should also flush the radiator while I'm at it? What type antifreeze do you recommend? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
KGCoupe Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2005 Posts: 3580 Location: Putting the "ill" and "annoy" in Illinois
|
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:13 am Post subject: |
|
|
Woreign wrote: |
Maybe I should also flush the radiator while I'm at it? What type antifreeze do you recommend? |
I could be wrong, but I believe that VW specifies their own brand (which is blue BTW). Not sure what the difference is. (Other than they don't make any profit off other brands.) I find, however, that filling the '74's side pods with ice has a much greater effect on cooling than the keeping the antifreeze topped off.
For the power steering, be sure and use genuine Audi stuff (there is an actual difference) - it's only around $50 quart. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
lukesky Samba Member
Joined: July 12, 2006 Posts: 246 Location: See The Rabbits, IA
|
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 8:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds have some recommendations for chemicals that will increase the power in your steering. _________________ You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit.
-Gabi |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|