steering column

[a74thing]

Need to change out the upper steering column bearing as the wheel is loose. Are there any tricks, or just a snap ring removal and pull out bearing?

Also, what is the allen head bolt in the lower part of the column housing near the wire plugs for?

Thank for any help

[uberautowerks]

Generally it's not the bearing, it's this little guy...

PM me, I have a few, new, in stock.
- Easy replacement involves steering wheel removal, turn and wiper switch removal, snap ring removal and then the bushing is pushed in .
- Correct replacement is the same except up to the snap ring... after the snap ring disconnect the ignition wiring plug, unbolt the 2 13's that hold the column to the body then pull the column off the shaft. Slip on the bushing and replace the column.
- The allen holds the "Column head" to the column shaft. You could also just pull the head off the column to replace the bushing. However the column lock will sometimes give you fits.
_________________
--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
---
'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[dasding]

I had that bushing go bad on me. I ended up taking the whole steering column apart and replacing the ignition switch and a few corroded components along with the bearing that the bushing rides in. The seal on the bearing had disintegrated and there was no grease left in the it.

Uber, do you have the bearing too?

German Motor Works has the bearing for about $40 with the bushing already installed. But I don't think they sell the bushings separately.

[uberautowerks]

I have a few good used bearings, but no new ones.
_________________
--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
---
'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[a74thing]

Great info on pulling the column. Whats the price of your part mailed to San Diego.

Thanks

[Video Bob]

I read this thread yesterday with passive interest. Today after pulling into a parking spot, I found the steering shaft to be loose in the column with up and down play. Oh crap
_________________
Ya can't have too many Vdubs!
1956 Oval
1966 Beetle
1974 Thing
1974 Super Beetle
1976 Westy P22

[dasding]

That's exactly what happened to mine.

Found most of the plastic in dust and clump form further down the column.

[a74thing]

I have the colume apart and a plastic pvc looking item came off that had three slots in it. Which way does this go back on or is it even required?

Does that sleve for the bearing go from the inside out. Any simple diagrams of the parts avail?

Thanks

[uberautowerks]

[a74thing]

Thanks. I had a bad bearing which I obtained locally at JBUUGS in Oceanside, CA. The steering wheel is now tight.

Now I'm fighting a self cancel issue for L turns and the blinker light has a mind of its own!!!!

[Fire Captain]

[uberautowerks]

Glad it got to you.
The bushing goes on the shaft first with the ridge or lip facing away from the bearing. You can also put the bushing in the gearing first but the lip must be on the rear of the bearing, that is the rear of the bearing not the rear of the car.
I hope that helps!
Eric
_________________
--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
---
'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[Fire Captain]

I re-read the original posts and I see where I went wrong.

I pulled it again and put it in correctly and now everything is tight.

Thanks
Fire

[mrea46]

Can I change out the entire steering column for my 75 with one from a 74?
Will the lower end fit the splines on the steering box?
Whats with the wierd no headed bolts securing it to the dashboard? How do you get them out?

[mrea46]

I meant a steering column from a 73 into a 75..
sorry.

[[email protected]]

I have some new bearings
_________________
Michael Basso
http://www.thingparts.com
New and Used VW Thing Parts Free advice
CALL 518 630 0173

[Van-go108]

Bump?!

I plan on replacing the steering box soon and wanted to know what other parts or issues that should be inspected or replaced will I'm at it. I have already replaced the coupler and bolts when I did the whole front end. It was all cracked.

I have been checking on parts suppliers and the cost but, I should order everything all at once so I'll have everything I'll need. Any insights from those who have been there?
_________________
"Okay, so there's 6 beers and 5 of us. You know what this means don't you? 4 of you are going to have to leave."


1973 Thing
1957 Continental Mark II Click to view image

[uberautowerks]

Related to JUST the steering box, I would recommend the dampener and replace the foam gasket between the gas tank and the body.

Now, while you have the gas tank out... replace the fuel lines that live under there and you may consider replacing the fuel tap and it's screen at the bottom of the tank. As well as the fuel tank filler hoses and the sending unit to tank gasket.

Napa has the best replacement for the filler hose. You'll need the smooth hose, not the ribbed stuff. Do NOT get the filler hose "Kit" from Airhead. Also called a "Fume Eliminator" kit. The hose it comes with is junk that starts cracking and splitting within a few months.

Eric
_________________
--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
---
'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[strelnik]

[Talosian]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02nPu194KM