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Schepp
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Joined: March 22, 2020
Posts: 432
Location: NorCal
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Airkewld
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2003
Posts: 3188
Location: Goodyear, AZ USA
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 Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:23 am Post subject: Re: airkewld steering box |
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| Schepp wrote: |
| Airkewld,Why should someone purchase your PRObuilt steering box over the TRW ones that Marcel sells at VWNOS.com? |
Thanks so much for mentioning us — we appreciate being part of the conversation.
I’d like to gently clarify a couple of points for accuracy. Marcel does not sell TRW steering boxes directly. Rather, he builds boxes using TRW tooling, which is an important distinction. He’s a one-man operation doing great work, and he deserves a ton of credit for what he’s accomplished. That said, even he has mentioned that his profit margins are quite slim.
Now, why might someone choose one of our steering boxes over other options available?
It comes down to quality, consistency, and peace of mind. Every steering box we offer is built with obsessive attention to detail — from world-class finishes to carefully controlled tolerances. We back everything with a money-back guarantee, because we truly care about each customer’s driving experience. Mass-production overseas often prioritizes volume over long-term performance. Our goal is the opposite — lasting quality that inspires confidence.
Whether your car is a daily driver, a full restoration, or a concours-level show build, we believe you’ll see — and feel — the difference. Cheaper options might seem comparable at first glance, but issues like rust, grease seepage, or shaft play can arise if corners were cut during the build. For example, our blued input shafts add an extra layer of corrosion resistance, which many of our clients have pointed to as one of the reasons they chose our product.
Our ECObuilt boxes, which feature a raw steel finish, still undergo a rigorous audit process. Each recycled roller and worm gear is carefully evaluated — dents, wear, axial play, and other factors are checked across 10+ data points. Very few used parts pass our bar for reuse, and we’re fine with that. Quality wins every time.
As for our billet tops — they’re roughly 30% stronger than the original cast version. The OEM cast top has been known to crack or shift under load. Our billet version was designed to prevent that by being taller, wider, and more robust, protecting the box from curb impacts, potholes, or harder driving.
And yes, rebuilding an OEM steering box takes time — usually over 3 hours. That’s skilled labor. When you factor in shop rates, detailed part inspection, sourcing, cleanup, machining, and assembly, the price reflects the real cost of doing it right — and sustainably. We’re not running a side hustle here. We’re committed to delivering long-term value.
If you’re on the fence or wondering whether the hype is real, we’d love for you to try one out. There’s zero risk — and a high likelihood you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Either way, we appreciate you being part of the community and helping keep these classic VWs on the road.
Take care and happy wrenching.
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heimlich 
VWNOS.com
Joined: November 20, 2016
Posts: 7455
Location: Houston, Texas
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:35 am Post subject: Re: airkewld steering box |
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| Airkewld wrote: |
I’d like to gently clarify a couple of points for accuracy. Marcel does not sell TRW steering boxes directly. Rather, he builds boxes using TRW tooling, which is an important distinction. He’s a one-man operation doing great work, and he deserves a ton of credit for what he’s accomplished. That said, even he has mentioned that his profit margins are quite slim.
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TRW sold off its VW steering gearbox tooling and they no longer make boxes. I make my boxes with the tooling they used to have. You wouldn't want a TRW box if it was made as they uses plastic caged bearings. I've seen a lot of these plastic caged bearings cause Formula Vee people to crash.
I'm a two-man operation. The guy who wrote the 20+ page steering gearbox rebuild thread helps me out with inspecting the boxes if there are any issues.
I do not have the overhead that Airkewld has. I pay $130 my cost in Brazil for the raw box without any of the upgrades. If you buy a rebuild kit from me for $230 you can rebuild your own box. That has all of the components in it to rebuild a box. Then you have the labor to put it together.
For what Airkewld offers its a good deal. You buy his box and if you are unhappy with it he has a label inside the packing to send it back. It's no/low risk. He does have a real fancy box.
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Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
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clockworkbox
Samba Member
Joined: July 12, 2020
Posts: 471
Location: Williamsport, PA
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:46 am Post subject: Re: airkewld steering box |
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[quote="heimlich"]
| Airkewld wrote: |
He does have a real fancy box. |
Yeah BUT the last time I bought from you I got a sticker AND a keychain, I think there was an air freshener too... 
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Airkewld
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2003
Posts: 3188
Location: Goodyear, AZ USA
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:54 am Post subject: Re: airkewld steering box |
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| heimlich wrote: |
| Airkewld wrote: |
I’d like to gently clarify a couple of points for accuracy. Marcel does not sell TRW steering boxes directly. Rather, he builds boxes using TRW tooling, which is an important distinction. He’s a one-man operation doing great work, and he deserves a ton of credit for what he’s accomplished. That said, even he has mentioned that his profit margins are quite slim.
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TRW sold off its VW steering gearbox tooling and they no longer make boxes. |
I am fairly confident that potential clients have read this, but then state the obvious, which the poster above did, putting words in your mouth without correction. You don't make TRW Boxes. You and I see that, but how it's worded, that is a potential issue, either good or bad, depending on how someone perceives it.
I don't build fancy if it matters. My team builds them with pride. Have a great week Marcel!
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Airkewld
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2003
Posts: 3188
Location: Goodyear, AZ USA
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Schepp
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2020
Posts: 432
Location: NorCal
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:01 am Post subject: Re: airkewld steering box |
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Airkewld,
Thank you so much for taking the time to clarify and explain in more detail your product. While end-user opinions and experiences do matter.
This is the information that people want to hear! You delivered!
Marcel,
Thank you for your hard work and dedication in delivering a great more affordable option. Thank you for clarifying the TRW mix up.
The dedication you both have in the game is amazing. Its great to read that there are still folks willing to take the risk and keep these cars not just on the road but on the track as well. The VW community appreciates both of you greatly!
It'll be a tough choice many face.
For a performance application needing or wanting to keep the stock steering box the winner is more clear.
I run my Baja in our local SCCA Rallycross club. My old stock box has seen better days.
Time to start saving my lunch money again. Benco recently took my last envelope of cash... |
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heimlich
VWNOS.com
Joined: November 20, 2016
Posts: 7455
Location: Houston, Texas
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:11 am Post subject: Re: airkewld steering box |
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Just to give ya'll an idea of the usual market pricing there is a $69 box in Brazil. That is Brazil price before it comes to USA. It's not a good box but I saw many companies selling it. They were buying it from a wholesaler. The retail price on it was $250.
If I had the overhead that Pete has I couldn't sell my box for so little.
Schepp, you need Pete's strong cover for whatever box you get. You need steel caged bearings too. If any of you are racing stay away from boxes with plastic cages. I see a lot of boxes come in with plastic caged bearings. I used to sell them but no longer do that because of this reason. Everyday driving may be ok with them but I just don't trust the plastic cages anymore.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here) |
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