Author |
Message |
TSFR Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2013 Posts: 365 Location: Columbia, SC
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 11:25 am Post subject: Steering Shaft Broke.... |
|
|
that was exciting and I was incredibly luck when it happened, I it the brakes and veered right into an empty parking spot. The day before I had put over 100 highway miles on it. You guys are lucky because the day before I would be dead and haunting every one of you guys
I ended up going home to get my truck and tow bar to get it home. I had a shop weld the broken section as best they could so I could get it into the garage last night. Obviously I'm not going to drive it tacked together and tempt fate again.
I have a few options 1) I have located a local replacement that is exactly like what I had, Just not broken.
2) I'm open to suggestions. Should I look at a solid bar or is there something else to look into? _________________
Thanks,
Jeff
Manxter 2+2 #160 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
jspbtown Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2004 Posts: 5156
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 11:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
Tilt! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
167luckycharm Samba Member
Joined: January 17, 2007 Posts: 328 Location: Kauai Hawaii
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 12:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Jeff,
I'd say that the highway gods have smiled down upon you and granted you the most luck in that you were able safely pull over in a clear spot, without hitting anything or causing any sideline accidents. Rubber underwear is the dress code of the day!
Unbelievable, that we rely on such thin metal between the steering shaft and steering box. This is the reason I chose the solid shaft versus the collapse-able version. I had to shorten mine a few inches, but made sure that it was perfectly aligned between the steering box and the bearing under the turn signal assembly. I modified the steering box clamp by adjusting the location of the two notches that mate up against the nubs on the beam. This way, there's a straight line from the shaft of the box, through the rag joint, and to the steering wheel mount. My concern was to eliminate any chances of metal fatigue, even if there's a flexible cushion in the line-up.
Happy to know you won't be haunting any of us, but you're certainly welcome to drop by while you're alive and well. I'll save a spot on the beach for you right next to the cooler of beer!
Aloha! _________________ Humble Pie, it might be good for you, but it always tastes like sh!t
See my 009 Distributor page on Facebook, search for VW 009 Distributor Discussion
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-009-Distributor-Discussion/499742640126712 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
TSFR Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2013 Posts: 365 Location: Columbia, SC
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 12:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
167luckycharm wrote: |
Jeff,
I'd say that the highway gods have smiled down upon you and granted you the most luck in that you were able safely pull over in a clear spot, without hitting anything or causing any sideline accidents. Rubber underwear is the dress code of the day!
Unbelievable, that we rely on such thin metal between the steering shaft and steering box. This is the reason I chose the solid shaft versus the collapse-able version. I had to shorten mine a few inches, but made sure that it was perfectly aligned between the steering box and the bearing under the turn signal assembly. I modified the steering box clamp by adjusting the location of the two notches that mate up against the nubs on the beam. This way, there's a straight line from the shaft of the box, through the rag joint, and to the steering wheel mount. My concern was to eliminate any chances of metal fatigue, even if there's a flexible cushion in the line-up.
Happy to know you won't be haunting any of us, but you're certainly welcome to drop by while you're alive and well. I'll save a spot on the beach for you right next to the cooler of beer!
Aloha! |
I wish there was a "Like" button
Where did you find a solid shaft at? I'm looking and like that option the most. _________________
Thanks,
Jeff
Manxter 2+2 #160 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
tgodber Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2004 Posts: 410 Location: Okanagan Falls B.C. Canada
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
TSFR Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2013 Posts: 365 Location: Columbia, SC
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 12:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I am going to remove the Steering wheel/shaft as a complete unit this weekend and pull it all apart. Can I keep the same column and just replace the shaft inside with a solid piece? I'm probably going to get a new key/ignition while I'm in there. I only have 1 key and its bent LOL. I'm not going to make that call until its apart though. Guess I will be down for a few weeks while I get this sorted out. Still waiting on the transmission to go, its about the only other thing I haven't rebuilt/replaced yet. _________________
Thanks,
Jeff
Manxter 2+2 #160 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
VOLKSWAGNUT Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007 Posts: 11055 Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 1:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If you dont want the "safety" steering shaft.. a pre 68 shaft is a drop in replacement.
Its a straight tube.
Of course... you could always simply cut out the safety portion and weld in a a tube section. _________________ aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited |
|
Back to top |
|
|
lostinbaja Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2004 Posts: 4036 Location: Frankfort, Illinois
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 4:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I can see your steering shaft is also rubbing on the bottom of the outer steering column tube. You should take care of that while your working on the column install. _________________ Jerry...
If it's being towed, it must be a trailer!
"Vee Grow Too Soon Oldt Und Too Late Schmardt"
RIP Morgan
My photos
http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/album92 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
BIGMIKEY Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2007 Posts: 1104 Location: North East Pennsylvania
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 6:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: |
If you dont want the "safety" steering shaft.. a pre 68 shaft is a drop in replacement.
Its a straight tube.
Of course... you could always simply cut out the safety portion and weld in a a tube section. |
I have done just that in the past. Just slipped a section of tubing over the expanded collapsible section and carefully welded it up.
Mike T _________________ BIGMIKEY
Deserter Series 1 project.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=787047&highlight=
1973 Beetle Driver, Marina Blue. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Dale M. Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2006 Posts: 20379 Location: Just a tiny bit west of Yosemite Valley
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 6:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
OR cut out expanded section and use a piece of tubing that has ID that will slip over existing shaft and do some really good welds....
Also stay away from red polyurethane "rag joint" they will self destruct and you will have no steering (again) and I think once is all the gods allow.....
Dale _________________ “Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns" - Thomas Jefferson.
"Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.
"Joe Pody Sandrover" Buggy with 2180 for Autocross (Sold)
============================================================
All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
EVfun Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2012 Posts: 5475 Location: Seattle
|
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 6:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
^^^ What Dale said! ^^^
If they make them in yellow urethane or black urethan avoid those too. It is important that a "rag joint" contains actual "rag." That is the cloth layers in the middle responsible for reinforcing the connection and making sudden complete breakage nearly impossible. _________________
Wildthings wrote: |
As a general rule, cheap parts are the most expensive parts you can buy. |
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
BL3Manx Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2006 Posts: 6767 Location: Northern California
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
andygere Samba Member
Joined: January 31, 2014 Posts: 600 Location: Central Coast, CA
|
Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 8:50 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have the same style steering shaft, and have wondered about its strength. Does anyone have a good close up photo of the connection between the collapsible section and the solid part that goes through the firewall up to the column? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
VOLKSWAGNUT Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007 Posts: 11055 Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
|
Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 9:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
A flex shaft can be added......only if a bearing or bushing is added to the end of the column tube (or mid shaft forward of the tube) .. AND a shaft lock added to keep the upper shaft from traveling in and out.
(Think Super Beetle self supporting column)..
The straight Beetle steering shaft is only supported at either end (steering wheel and steering box). Its length is "fixed".
Simply adding a flex or (double flex) joint in the middle of the shaft causes unwanted steering wheel movement as the actual steering shaft tried to flop around in the unsupported lower column tube.
In addtion the flex will try to push and pull shaft inward and outward of the tube... _________________ aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Rufustoad Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2014 Posts: 1 Location: United States
|
Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 11:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
WOW what luck and a God Blessing!! Was just wondering if anyone has installed a late model Bug steering column in their Manx? Would like to put a column in mine that has the turn sigs and horn in one?? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
BL3Manx Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2006 Posts: 6767 Location: Northern California
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
TSFR Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2013 Posts: 365 Location: Columbia, SC
|
Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 1:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'm going to pull the shaft over the weekend and see what I'm dealing with. Thank to everyone for the great suggestions! I feel like I have options now. _________________
Thanks,
Jeff
Manxter 2+2 #160 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Buggy Brian Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2006 Posts: 308 Location: Yulee, FL
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
TSFR Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2013 Posts: 365 Location: Columbia, SC
|
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 6:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
We cut out what was left of the birdcage and welded in some rollbar tubing. _________________
Thanks,
Jeff
Manxter 2+2 #160 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Buggy Brian Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2006 Posts: 308 Location: Yulee, FL
|
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 4:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
Ok. Was wondering if you went aftermarket. Looking for a nice aftermarket column that would fit without breaking the bank. Parts list is starting to get rather lengthy. _________________ -(Loretta) Manx # M2940D910E on customized 1970 chassis by Joescoolcustoms
-(Scarlett) Manx Resorter #12 (R0012B931S) on 1969 chassis.
-Original Home built buggy that started all. I learned to drive in it back in 1985.
Manx Club Member # 4436
Check out my Loretta here: http://www.manxclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=3365Manx
Scarlett is getting a Makeover! http://manxclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=82&t=3745&p=24983#p24983 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|