Steering box adjuster woes

[RussN]

My bus (new ish to me) has more play in the steering than I'm happy with, I can't see an issues with other steering components so it's lead me to adjust the steering box to take out some play.

My issue it that locking nut is turning but not undoing, therefore can't adjust via the screw. Please see the photo, the locking nut and a thin nut behind (which it pressumably locks against it) are just spining together. Any thoughts on my options here?

[15W40]

When you're turning the lock nut, does the adjusting screw and/or lower nut turn too? If the adjusting screw is turning with the locknut, does counter-holding it with a screw driver help?

[campingbox]

The cover is threaded, maybe it’s stripped?

[RussN]

[RussN]

[KevinAlbrecht]

Who sells good rebuilds these days? My 63 is in need.
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Kevin Albrecht
1963 Panel


Don't forget those seat-belts!
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[Eric&Barb]

[Eric&Barb]

[Clara]

[62DoKaGuy]

[RussN]

[RussN]

[RussN]

[15W40]

Yeah I think we can trust OP if he says he's checked that the tie rods, drag link and pin don't have play. The 60 year old part with an adjuster may require a little adjustment by now.

If the screw and both nuts are all spinning together, I think the first step should be breaking the top nut free from the screw. Get some penetrating lubricant like Liquid Wrench or a mix of ATF and acetone. Soak the fasteners good several times and let it sit maybe an hour.

The next part will require the most snug fitting tools you can find. No adjustable wrench or sloppy anything. Put the box end of a wrench on the top nut. If you have a bit ratchet, put a big flathead bit in there and use it to counter hold while you loosen the nut. This should get you a lot better leverage than a screw driver.

If anything starts to slip or strip, stop immediately and avoid making things worse. If it's not moving, try heating the nut a bit with a torch. If that still doesn't do it, you're going to have to be destructive. Use a dremel to cut a slot in the edge of the top nut, stopping before you hit the threads. Use a hammer and chisel in the slot to split the nut.

Once that top nut is off we'll be able to assess a few things like:
- Does the bottom nut loosen now or will it require similar punishment?
- With both the nuts off, does the screw come out?
- How are the threads on the screw and the steering box cover? Do you need a new screw and/or new threads on the cover?

[ted698]

The slotted adjuster screw is threaded directly into the Aluminium cover plate, and kept in place with a single lock nut.

You are describing two nuts - I'm pretty certain this is not usual....

It sounds very much like the soft aluminium box cover threads are stripped to me... or someone has attempted to booger in a new 'nut' into the box cover to try and fix the previously stripped aluminium threads... and you are left picking up the pieces.

It may be easier to unbolt the box side cover and attack from within, you may be able to get some pressure on the internal side of the adjuster screw to help push it out whilst turning.

Pic here, if it helps.... (stolen off The Samba!)

[Eric&Barb]

[quote="RussN"]

[chrisflstf]

You can replace the box cover for $25.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2647918

[Kb65single]

The first picture in this post doesn't really show the 2nd thin lock nut under the top thicker one. I really had to blow it up to see it, and only after I knew that there was one there. A better picture would have helped the others trying to make suggestions. That's all water over the bridge.

I'm not sure how thick the thin nut is but you could make a simple thin wrench out of some plate metal. My top nut on my box is 19mm. If you have some 18, 16- or 14-gauge metal make a 4 sided wrench that you can slide under the top one. It might be a bit of a challenge but with the help of some penetrating fluid if should break free. Those boxes are usually covered in lubricant.

Good luck Ken

[NAES]

unscrew the 2 adjuster nuts and grub screw as a unit and remove. if its just spinning then the cover is probably stripped which a replacement option has already been posted.

if in doubt pull the cover off and put it on a bench to work on. At least you'll have a better visual as opposed to it being all greasy and dirty up under the bus itself.
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Barndoor Mafia
Box On Wheels
SBS #00

[RussN]

Sorry, I've been away for a few days. Thank eveyone for your input, it's much appreciated.

I think I'm going to take the cover off to get a better view and access etc.

I'll report back with some detailed pics in case anyone else has a similar issue.