Steering Clunk Noise

[Ben Middleton]

I have quite a bad clunk when I turn the wheel to the right, within the steering play (without engaging the wheels). Here's a short clip:

https://youtube.com/shorts/dZlDPVCAvjQ?feature=share

Any ideas?

[SGKent]

read how to properly adjust the steering freeplay. See if that fixes it. Be sure to check gear fluid level too.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Ben Middleton]

In the Bentley it doesn't mention fluid level checks. It says the box should require no service. Is this possible for the '72 box?

[SGKent]

make sure the box has SAE 80-90 gl4 gear oil in it and has not leaked out. Same as the manual transmission fluid. No GL5 in the manual trans.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Jalabert]

Rubber steering coupler between the steering tube and the box.

https://www.justkampers.com.au/catalog/product/vie...egory/129/

Yours is exactly the sound of one failing.

[Wildthings]

Get someone else to turn the wheel back and forth while you crawl underneath and feel for play in each node of the steering system. I would guess that you have multiple places with slop in them.

[mikedjames]

That is worse than box adjustment alone.
There should be a little free play if the steering is way off centre but not that much..
Rubber coupler at the bottom of the steering column broken ?
Steering box bolted on tightly enough ?
Drag link (from box to relay arm) ball joints worn ?
Steering relay arm pin in front beam - bushngs worn ?
Track rod end ball joints worn ?



Get a helper to move the steering wheel while you look and listen underneath..


I have had all of the faults I listed at some time or another on my 1973 built bay.
_________________
Ancient vehicles and vessels

1974 VW T2 : Devon Eurovette camper with 1641 DP T1 engine, Progressive carb, full flow oil cooler, EDIS crank timed ignition.
Engine 1: 40k miles (rocker shaft clip fell off), Engine 2: 30k miles (rebuild, dropped valve). Engine 3: a JK Preservation Parts "new" engine, aluminium case: 26k miles: new top end.
Gearbox rebuild 2021 by Bears.

1979 Westerly GK24 24 foot racer/cruiser yacht Forethought of Gosport.
1973 wooden Pacer sailing dinghy

[aeromech]

I’m guessing that the major clunk is coming from the steering gearbox. Yes, there is an adjustment screw but I believe the way to fix it is to remove the square plate on the gearbox held on by 4 bolts. Then you remove a shim under the lip of that square plate. This will tighten up the worm gear preload which I think is too loose. I’ve done this but never on an installed gearbox so I’m not sure it can be done without removing the gearbox.
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[SGKent]

that preload is pretty specific. It might require a full rebuild of the box to get that right. Also those shims come in different thicknesses on late boxes, and I would guess early boxes are the same. If a box had a .001" or .002" shim then it might make sense to pull it out, but if it has a .016" and a .013" shim, that might turn into an expensive mistake.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Ben Middleton]

Thanks guys - I'll have a look with a helper to do it with me tomorrow so I can check each node of the steering.

I have just replaced the steering coupler which was completely cracked, hoping it would've stopped the clunk but not yet; so at least we know it's not that.

[aeromech]

Place your hand on the box. Turn the wheel. Feel for the clunk. It’s the worm gear shifting

_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[SGKent]

[rhodsdon]

I have a similar issue as well along with a feeling of binding up. Are rebuild kits, or parts available if the box needs to be rebuilt? I can't seem to find any online for a 1969 vintage bus. Any solution options that you know of? Checking before I open it up...

[orwell84]

[dodger tom]

to reinforce what WT said, put your hand on each steering component while your helper moves the wheel back and forth. feel and listen. good luck.
_________________
1978 Champaign Edition 2 Westfalia
Would never find the time to keep up another classic air-cooled.

[SGKent]

[aeromech]

Where did you get the new peg or is that the old one?

old one
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[skills@eurocarsplus]

[vintage water]

[rhodsdon]

Is there a way to use a post 1973 steering box on my '69 bus?