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BIGMIKEY Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2007 Posts: 1105 Location: North East Pennsylvania
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 1:56 pm Post subject: Steering Rag Joint |
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How much misalignment is it going to take before it fails? It's not a U-joint.
A stock Beetle, the steering shaft and steering box shaft are all in line. The rag joint serves as vibration damper. It doesn't have to flex to do it's job.
So I say the factory sets them up with no misalignment at all. My thinking is any misalignment from mounting the steering wheel higher or lower flexes the rag joint past it's design.
I think my Deserter will end up with a few degrees of misalignment. I have a universal joint to use in that case.
But the rag joint is rubber and can take a bit of misalignment. How much of an angle do you think is asking for failure?
Mike T _________________ BIGMIKEY
Deserter Series 1 project.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=787047&highlight=
1973 Beetle Driver, Marina Blue. |
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woodoctr Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2013 Posts: 254 Location: Ohio
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 3:42 pm Post subject: Re: Steering Rag Joint |
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I've seen them set up pretty wonky over the years on both kit cars and dune buggies. If they fail, it doesn't happen overnight....it is usually a gradual tearing. I have seen them fail but that was guys taking a car that had set for a long time and not changing them right away. Rot, not good....
I'd throw it on there and just inspect it regularly. If you get any indication of tearing/deterioration go to the U joint. |
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joescoolcustoms Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2006 Posts: 9054 Location: West By God Virginia
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:16 pm Post subject: Re: Steering Rag Joint |
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The steering box can be "tuned" a little to correct a few degrees is mis-alignment. The two bolts that bolt it to the beam tube can be used for this. Loosen one and tighten the other to twist the box on the beam to catch better alignment. I would not do more than 2 turns out/in so there will still be plenty of threads left engaging in the box for a safe mount.
If you do this, remember, it changes the wheel alignment. That will need to be corrected afterwards. _________________ Bad News Racing 2018 NORRA 1000 3rd in Class
Best Day Ever Racing 2022 NORRA 1000 2nd in Class and first All Female team to complete the race
Everyone is gifted. Some just do not open the package.
Looks like it was painted with a live chicken,polished with a brick and buffed with a pine cone |
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Dale M. Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2006 Posts: 20380 Location: Just a tiny bit west of Yosemite Valley
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:42 pm Post subject: Re: Steering Rag Joint |
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DO NOT replace OEM style rag joint with Urethane "joint" they crack and break without warning and can leave you stranded or worse case at speed on freeway with no steering....
No don't even think about it....
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)
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All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ... |
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joemama Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2006 Posts: 1636 Location: La Crescenta, California
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:10 pm Post subject: Re: Steering Rag Joint |
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BIGMIKEY Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2007 Posts: 1105 Location: North East Pennsylvania
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:34 am Post subject: Re: Steering Rag Joint |
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You know, I had a reference to the red disc of death being a bad idea in the original post but I deleted it because I thought the post was too long. I guess I should have left it in. I am well aware and I know to not use that urethane disc and wasn't trying to say that I was considering it.
It's Good that information is in this thread though.
Mike T _________________ BIGMIKEY
Deserter Series 1 project.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=787047&highlight=
1973 Beetle Driver, Marina Blue. |
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Wolfgangdieter Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2008 Posts: 1958 Location: FL Panhandle
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 2:17 pm Post subject: Re: Steering Rag Joint |
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Late super beetles and VW Porsche 914's used steering column flexible U-joints that could be safely used. Hod rod shops also have them. _________________ CMC '57 Porsche Speedster Replica and Dolphin boat tailed full pan VW MOD-T Street Buggy |
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BIGMIKEY Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2007 Posts: 1105 Location: North East Pennsylvania
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: Steering Rag Joint |
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Yes. I have a couple Super beetle universal shafts that I picked up a few years ago. I was surprised to see that the I.D. of the ends were too big to clamp down on the beetle steering box stub. Easily enough corrected if you have fabricating capability.
Mike T _________________ BIGMIKEY
Deserter Series 1 project.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=787047&highlight=
1973 Beetle Driver, Marina Blue. |
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kitcarguy Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2007 Posts: 431 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 5:35 pm Post subject: Re: Steering Rag Joint |
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I cant even get the damn thing off my car haha _________________ www.fiberclassics.org |
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