Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Stiff Steering
Forum Index -> Thing/Type 181 Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Woreign
Samba Member


Joined: June 04, 2006
Posts: 2841
Location: Crestview FL
Woreign is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:11 am    Post subject: Stiff Steering Reply with quote

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
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
KGCoupe
Samba Member


Joined: July 01, 2005
Posts: 3580
Location: Putting the "ill" and "annoy" in Illinois
KGCoupe is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If your steering stays stiff for more than four hours, seek medical attention.








Embarassed Oh, sorry. Clearly a sign I watch too much TV.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Woreign
Samba Member


Joined: June 04, 2006
Posts: 2841
Location: Crestview FL
Woreign is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Unless the wife says otherwise... Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
xeno
Samba Member


Joined: July 26, 2006
Posts: 653
Location: Mile High
xeno is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
7thing3
Samba Member


Joined: April 05, 2003
Posts: 473
Location: Cleveland, OH
7thing3 is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Make sure you check the power steering fluid and make sure it is topped off right to the mark (when hot).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address Yahoo Messenger Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Towel Rail
Horizontally Opposed


Joined: April 15, 2005
Posts: 4622
Location: SE CR IA US NA PE
Towel Rail is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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. Laughing
_________________
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
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Woreign
Samba Member


Joined: June 04, 2006
Posts: 2841
Location: Crestview FL
Woreign is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Maybe I should also flush the radiator while I'm at it? What type antifreeze do you recommend?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
KGCoupe
Samba Member


Joined: July 01, 2005
Posts: 3580
Location: Putting the "ill" and "annoy" in Illinois
KGCoupe is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
lukesky
Samba Member


Joined: July 12, 2006
Posts: 246
Location: See The Rabbits, IA
lukesky is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 8:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Thing/Type 181 All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.