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Ozmello Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2023 Posts: 27 Location: Nature Coast
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Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2024 7:06 pm Post subject: Lack of Centering on Steering |
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The steering on my Safari has always been very good. This morning I was driving it and suddenly there was an extreme lack of centering. I could move the steering wheel 4-6 inches without encountering any tension from the steering linkage. I pulled over and examined the front end to make sure everything was still connected. Visually, I saw no problems.
I went home, lifted the car and removed the front tires and wheels. The steering column looked good, and when I manipulated the column back and forth there appeared to be no slack there, but rather the slack appeared to be in the steering gear box. I pulled the fill plugs on the box and added 90 weight gear oil. I also adjusted the set screw on the box. The slack in the steering was not reduced.
Can the forum gurus point me in a good direction for correcting this issue? |
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obus  Samba Member

Joined: March 08, 2001 Posts: 11431 Location: just off Garden State Parkway Exit 81
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Ozmello Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2023 Posts: 27 Location: Nature Coast
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2024 1:49 pm Post subject: Re: Lack of Centering on Steering |
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I've not tried adjusting the nut on the end of the steering box as I didn't have the special tool, but I will see if I can tackle it using Mondshine's hack. I also need to confirm that nothing between the steering wheel and the steering box is loose. |
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Ozmello Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2023 Posts: 27 Location: Nature Coast
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Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Lack of Centering on Steering |
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Decided to just suck it up and replace the steering box. Also replaced the tie rods and steering damper. Haven't taken it off the jackstands yet, but will likely do that tomorrow. We'll see how the camber and caster look then. |
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madster Samba Member

Joined: November 01, 2006 Posts: 213 Location: Rio Grande Valley Texas
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Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2025 4:38 pm Post subject: Re: Lack of Centering on Steering |
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 _________________ 1966 BEETLE @ 1973 THING |
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