Rebuilding manual steering rack?

[Synthead]

My steering rack has some bad boots on it. I have new boots, but thought it would be a good idea to take it apart and clean it from dirt before sealing it up. How do I go about doing this? Should I replace any pieces as maintenance? This is on a manual (no power steering) rack.

[Synthead]

Bump! Any thoughts on this one?

[pomfritz]

I took mine apart as part of a front suspension rebuild. I'd recommend replacing the four bushings with Powerflex ones from T3. they make a huge difference in steering feel. They unbolt from the frame pretty easily.

You should remove the rack anyways to refurb it. You'll have to remove the tied ends from the steering knuckles, this is not too hard. you also need to move the steering rack from the steering coupler, you'll see it under the van. Mark how the two parts line up for getting the alignment correct. however you will likely need a new alignment after this work anyways.

Swell as the boots you may need need new tie rods and ends. i would just go ahead and replace these.

Have a Bentley to help you through.
_________________
83.5 233K. GW 2.3, SS exhaust, My German Frau named her Stefi

[pomfritz]

When you remove the tie rod ends count the revolutions. Thread the new one with this same number.
_________________
83.5 233K. GW 2.3, SS exhaust, My German Frau named her Stefi

[shagginwagon83]

My boots are done. So I plan on replacing the boots, tie-rod end, t3 bushings, and maybe the coupling discs. I see rebuild kits from Rock Auto. Is it possible to rebuild a manual steering rack - or do I have it pretty much covered ?

_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[WestfaliaMike]

I’m going with a new rack, rods and boots. Just need to find the time. And I have the parts!
_________________
1981 Vanagon Westfalia
1983 Vanagon Passanger (Parts Vehicle)
2016 Passat TSI

[Nickel_Nackel]

hey shagginwagon83,

Do you like the manual steering? I'm wondering if I should convert my leaky power steering to manual since its cheaper and I have to eventually replace my pump and rack

I've driven cars without ps but never a van.

just wondering your opinion on it?
_________________
1985 1.9L Potato

[shagginwagon83]

[MarkWard]

Not sure what the Rock Auto rebuild kit would include for a manual rack. Nothing wrong with disassembling thoroughly cleaning, regreasing, and reassemble.

Our 82 has manual steering. I won't lie, its a bit of effort in tight spaces at slow speeds. It is simple and less systems to fail. That said, I have owned a few with working power steering and the difference is night and day. f

I just recently purchased a 90 with the power steering disabled. Of all the combinations, this one takes all the effort. Must be related to the different spindle arm lengths.

Easy to test. Remove the belt, drain the reservoir and take it for a drive.
_________________
☮️

[Nickel_Nackel]

okay thanks
_________________
1985 1.9L Potato

[shagginwagon83]

So Im working on rebuilding my manual rack. I bought two tubes of the VW steering grease. I added a whole tube to the steering rack.

Then I go to grease the ball joints on the inner tie rod. I messed up and used the VW steering grease. I should have maybe used some regular grease but anyhow the inner tie rod doesn't feel anywhere as smooth as my old untouched inner tie rod. So what type of grease should I have used and is there any fixing this besides buying new inner tie rods?
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[MarkWard]

The new inner tierods are very tight new. I would not worry about it. Sounds normal. In time it will loosen up.
_________________
☮️

[shagginwagon83]

Yeah the inner tie rods are not new. Mine seem decent. I figured this is one of these things that the VW part was superior (probably is) and I should keep it. However I don't want to take any chances as its is 35 years old, so I went ahead and bought Moog inner tie rods.
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[ALIKA T3]

Crispy looking boots

I sell silicone boots in the classifieds if you guys are looking at not re-doing this job soon-ish

Aloha!
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

[spatiald]

Bumping this thread again as steering rack, inner tie rods and grease were brought up here.

I'm installing the tie rod assembly now. Replacing boots on steering rack but not replacing or rebuilding the rack. I will replace the bushings though.

Only one old boot had a few tears in it. There's a small amount of rust on the steering rack where the inner tie rod bolts in and that end is quite dry. The opposite end that had the good boot had more grease and was in better shape.

My question is: When I'm installing the new tie rod assembly should I be applying grease? If so, will any type do? or does it have to be the specific steering grease?

Thanks