Steering Shaft Broke....

TSFR · 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 Laughing

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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

jspbtown · Samba Member Joined: January 27, 2004 Posts: 5156

Tilt!

167luckycharm · 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!
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TSFR · Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 12:27 pm Post subject:

tgodber · Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 12:45 pm Post subject:

Try Moore Parts. They seem to have a good selection of steering parts.
I have never bought from them.

http://www.mooreparts.com/Steering-Wheels-%26-Accessories-Steering-Shafts-%26-Bearings/

Also Pacific Customs.

http://www.pacificcustoms.com/steering.html
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TSFR · 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. Laughing

_________________

Thanks,
Jeff

Manxter 2+2 #160

VOLKSWAGNUT · 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.
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lostinbaja · 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.
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BIGMIKEY · Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 6:04 pm Post subject:

Dale M. · 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
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EVfun · 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.
_________________

BL3Manx · Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 7:33 pm Post subject:

A shortened super beetle shaft will give the same "front end collision collapse/safety" and be as strong as a solid shaft.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=538337&highlight=steering+shaft+super

andygere · 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?

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 9:29 am Post subject:

Rufustoad · 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??

BL3Manx · Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 1:19 pm Post subject:

I think using the SB upper column/shaft along with the shortened SB lower shaft would be simplest

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1626660

TSFR · 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

Buggy Brian · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 6:28 pm Post subject:

What did you end up doing with this? I'm looking at all the options, since I'm just starting my dis-assembly and build.
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TSFR · 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

Buggy Brian · 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.
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-(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


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