Steering coupler install

[vee-dub8589]

I need to install a new steering coupler on my 66 bug I have nevered installed one before can anyone explain to me the process of installing one any pointers would help thanks

[67rustavenger]

Pretty straight forward. Empty the fuel tank or clamp off the fuel line above the tunnel. Remove the tank. Take a picture for reference before proceeding.
Remove the bolts from the coupling and remove the offending piece. Place the new coupling between the steering box and the column and reinstall all the bolts making sure that the steering box and column flanges are 90Degrees away from each other not in line with each other. If they are in line they will bind. Torque the blots to the correct foot pounds using a torque wrench. Check that all is free and the horn works before installing the fuel tank. Reattach the fuel line to the tunnel.
Job done!
Don't use one of those urethane red cheap ones. Get a good ole rubber one that has the fibers embedded. If the urethane one were to break you lose all steering. If the rubber one fails you get home without the bent car.
Good luck.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[56Cabrio]

[67rustavenger]

56,
I'm not sure if anyone sells them. I did a little search before responding and it was highly recommended that you locate the fiber embedded one. Even a good condition used one is better that the plastic red one. What you have selected is good for a while. I have never had to replace one in all of the 8 beetles that I have had. But the r&r procedure is the same for all of those years.
Good luck guys.

EDIT
After post this response. I checked my latest acquisition. It has the WW coupler like you ordered. This car drives fantastically. I then checked the P.O.S. rust bucket in my driveway. It has the fiber embedded one installed.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[vee-dub8589]

Thanks I would have never pulled the tank seems much easier that way

[runamoc]

[DerrickfromNC1]

Installed a urethane coupler on my 67(that long on jackstands) about 20yrs ago. Getting close to getting it back on the road and several folks have suggested that I replace it with a rubber coupler. I picked one up at Oriellys for a 67 and the bolt pattern is a tad smaller. It will go on if I force it with some effort while the urethane coupler was a perfect fit. I’m concerned that the rubber coupler would fail prematurely due to the added stress of being stretched to fit.
Is this normal?

Thanks

[runamoc]

you won't be sorry using the rubber plied one. Another 'safety' feature I added in case the joint breaks. Longer mounting bolts mounted towards each other. US cars do it. If you have short bolts and the joint breaks the steering wheel will just spin freely. This causes the upholstery to pucker. If longer bolts are used the extended ends 'interfere' with each other and you will have some steering control until you can stop.

Never had a bug coupling break on me at speed but a F150 truck did and I was impressed that I had some control to keep from going in the ditch or oncoming traffic til I stopped.
_________________
Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 44 yrs - Plan B: '81 Rabbit Diesel LS Deluxe - Plan C: '72 Ghia
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Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs-
VW Wiring = It's just wires

[DerrickfromNC1]

Did I purchase a coupler that is too small…..perhaps wrong year?

Is it normal to have to stretch it to make it fit?

Thanks

[runamoc]

[DerrickfromNC1]

[mukluk]

Dorman's website doesn't list any steering coupler that fits your VW which is why the part you bought doesn't fit. You need to buy the correct part.
_________________
1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[DerrickfromNC1]

[richparker]

In the bay window forum, we’ve found that the Lares are the best ones on the market right now.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/volkswagen,196...upler,7418


https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/lares-corpora...&pos=2

I live in rural Colorado and O’Reillys can have parts in store for me the next day.
_________________
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’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build
’63 Deluxe Build

[mukluk]

[DeathRay64]

The steering coupler that I got from WCM was listed as "German".... they used the quotes in the description.

The part is a good quality coupling with fibers embedded in the rubber and it is not too soft. It appears to be made with original molds.

My only complaint is that the left side logo (VW/Audi?) is ground off. But I can see some slightly exposed fibers underneath.

This part also has the proper bushings, which yours does not.
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Making VW's and America great again.

[67rustavenger]

[RWK]

Had a urethane one break on my Thing, I had partial steering due to bolt interference, had about 1/2 turn play, wasn't fun but got home safely.
Bolts and nuts are special, 14mm hex on the 8mm bolts and self locking nuts, bolts remaining connected saved me. The nuts and bolt heads being larger makes them a little harder to remove due to lack of socket clearance around flange.
_________________
73 Type 181
63 Type 113
63 Type 261- 428 071
62 Type 241-378 025 178 530

[DerrickfromNC1]

[AirHead1966]

Glad you all brought this dead thread back to life. Prompted me go and check my steering coupler. Glad I did, seems like I was living on borrowed time.
All nice and replaced now.