Author |
Message |
ADIDAS Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Belmont NC
|
Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:36 am Post subject: Steering issues need advice |
|
|
I've got a fiberglass Manx copy Dune buggy. When driving on a straight line the front end appears to float side to side. The vehicle will float side to side. The steering wheel has about 2 inches of free play before the front wheels start to turn side to side. There is also a clicking noise coming from the steering box. Is the steering box worn out or can it be adjusted? This feels different from a front end alignment problem but I could be wrong. SEE PICTURE
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Q-Dog Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2010 Posts: 8700 Location: Sunset, Louisiana
|
Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2022 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Steering issues need advice |
|
|
Impossible to diagnose from a still image. BUT, It is very easy to get under there, wiggle the steering shaft side to side and see where the free play is. It could be worn tie rod ends, loose steering box, worn rag (flexible) joint. Someone needs to do an actual inspection. Any alignment shop could inspect the front end parts if you don't understand what to do.
The steering box can be adjusted a little.
Speaking of rag joint ... your's looks to be in some stress. In the photo it looks like the steering shaft and steering box are not in line with each other. It could also just be an optical illusion from the camera. _________________ Brian
'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle |
|
Back to top |
|
|
oprn Samba Member
Joined: November 13, 2016 Posts: 12731 Location: Western Canada
|
Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2022 9:25 pm Post subject: Re: Steering issues need advice |
|
|
Yes that coupler (rag joint) looks about ready to fail. I would start there! _________________ We had the stone age, the bronze age, the industrial age and now we are in the age of mass deception and mind control for corporate profit. (The mass media age) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
ADIDAS Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Belmont NC
|
Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2022 9:05 am Post subject: Re: Steering issues need advice |
|
|
I took a closer look at the flexible rag joint and it does have alot of cracks in it. I think I'll start there. Thanks for the advice. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
vpogv Samba Member
Joined: August 14, 2008 Posts: 230
|
Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2022 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: Steering issues need advice |
|
|
One more thought - I'd also suggest re-greasing the box if it's been a while/ don't know when it's been done. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
joemama Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2006 Posts: 1636 Location: La Crescenta, California
|
Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2022 8:34 am Post subject: Re: Steering issues need advice |
|
|
When you replace the steering coupler, make sure you dont use a urethane one. They are typically sold in red, and as heavy duty, but they crack and fall apart. Luckily mine failed while pushing my buggy around on the driveway. Look for a real "rag joint" with layers of material inside to keep in one piece if cracked. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|