| Author |
Message |
ProbablyNotIan
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2024
Posts: 46
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 10:22 am Post subject: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
 |
|
Is this a bad idea?
My '86 has power steering, but it's clear that the rack has already been replaced once with a junkyard part and I don't know if I want to do another.
I'm starting to get a whine from the rack and everything looks fine.
I noticed most places only list the manual rack from '80-'85. Is that just because those or the only years that a manual rack was an option, or is there a difference in fitment between the two?
_________________
The Brown Van
Senior Platform Engineer | USSF Grassroots Educator | USSF National C License |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 7187
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 10:37 am Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
You need the rack and the steering shaft attached to it to convert properly. It's plug and play.
I think it's a bad idea, especially since new manual racks are criminal shite...
And your spindles are shorter by 10mm at the tie rod end attachment, so you'll end up forcing even more than another factory van with manual rack unless you replace those as well.
They were only offered up to 85 in the US that's why, some Weekender Westfalia in 87 oddly, but all years in Europe.
_________________
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 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
1988M5
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2016
Posts: 843
Location: Tucson, AZ
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 11:19 am Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
My AC isn't working right, should I convert it a no AC bus? No silly, fix the thing. Downgrades are not typically a first choice.
_________________
1991 tin top GL
2002 Winnebago Vista. VW VR6 24V Eurovan front clip powered class C 21' RV.
Some BMWs. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3366
Location: Bozeman MT
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 12:03 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
My Suzuki Samurai (a MUCH shorter wheelbase than my Westy) is a bear to parallel park with its non-power steering. I can't imagine dealing with that in my van.
Swapping in a rebuilt PS rack is plug-and-play with the exception of flushing the fluid.
_________________
'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Van den Broke
Samba Member
Joined: May 20, 2012
Posts: 207
Location: Victoria, Canada
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 8398
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 1:02 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
Just do it, simpler is better. Just be sure to upgrade to the correct size steering wheel:
- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ProbablyNotIan
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2024
Posts: 46
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 1:42 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
| 1988M5 wrote: |
| My AC isn't working right, should I convert it a no AC bus? No silly, fix the thing. Downgrades are not typically a first choice. |
I guess the idea of "downgrade" is open to interpretation.
As far as I can tell, I'm currently driving with an incredibly inefficient manual rack. Going to a full manual rack setup means less hoses, belts, pumps, fluids, and other points of failure.
I'm not afraid of having to put a little more muscle into turning. It's why I go to the gym every morning.
I am always worried about the fact that this would (appear to) be the second time a power steering rack has failed in this van.
_________________
The Brown Van
Senior Platform Engineer | USSF Grassroots Educator | USSF National C License |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AndyBees
Samba Member
Joined: January 31, 2008
Posts: 2625
Location: Southeast Kentucky
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 1:57 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
I converted my 84 to Power Steering using a unit from an '85 Westy. I had to have the return hose prepared at a local hose shop. I had all the other stuff which was a junk yard pull from many years ago. I was able to fit everything up with the Power Steering Pump that came on the ALH TDI engine. I used the OE Vanagon Power Steering reservoir.
I've never looked back even after later having to rebuild the rack myself. It is an easy job. There is a Thread on how to do the rebuild. I bought a Gates kit off Rockauto.
_________________
'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI, two trips to Alaska, 2014 & 16. 1989 Tin-top unmolested.
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine, seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003. 1975 Bay hopeful. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3366
Location: Bozeman MT
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 2:05 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
| ProbablyNotIan wrote: |
I'm not afraid of having to put a little more muscle into turning. It's why I go to the gym every morning.
I am always worried about the fact that this would (appear to) be the second time a power steering rack has failed in this van. |
I worry about putting extra strain on the steering shaft connections etc. although I guess they would/should have overbuilt that.
As for this being the second failed rack - that easily could be due to metal bits from the PS pump circulating through the system damaging the seals of the new rack. Was the pump replaced and fluid flushed when the second rack was installed?
_________________
'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jlrftype7
Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2018
Posts: 4549
Location: Chicago
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 2:38 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
As a Manual only Vanagon since it's an early '84, I'll add that you need to think about people parking REALLY close to you in Parallel parking, if that's a thing where you live.
Living in Chicago, we regularly have people with much more Modern vehicles cram themselves up near our bumpers , usually it's the Front one... 
I've installed a Back Up Camera to deal with watching how much space I've got behind me, but,,,, 
Anyhow, I TOO appreciate the simplicity of the Manual Rack system, but wish we HAD power steering in City Parking woes at times..
If that's a Non-Issue for you being in Idaho, you'll probably be fine with Manual Steering if you go that route.
_________________
'68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ProbablyNotIan
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2024
Posts: 46
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 2:39 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
| SCM wrote: |
I worry about putting extra strain on the steering shaft connections etc. although I guess they would/should have overbuilt that. |
This is a fair point. You would hope they overbuilt, but I've owned enough VW's over the years to know that hope is what kills you.
| SCM wrote: |
| As for this being the second failed rack - that easily could be due to metal bits from the PS pump circulating through the system damaging the seals of the new rack. Was the pump replaced and fluid flushed when the second rack was installed? |
That I don't know. This van didn't come with a lot of documentation. I just was under there working on my fuel lines and saw the telltale grease pen of a junkyard on the side of the rack.
_________________
The Brown Van
Senior Platform Engineer | USSF Grassroots Educator | USSF National C License |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Van den Broke
Samba Member
Joined: May 20, 2012
Posts: 207
Location: Victoria, Canada
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
My daily driver for the last ten years is a small Ford station wagon with a de-powered rack. I did pick up a manual rack at the junkyard years ago but haven't gotten around to swapping it over.
I'm strong enough that it's only a minor nuisance.
The family Vanagon has power steering, which is important as my wife also drives it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8165
Location: WA/ID
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 4:08 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
Fly, meet ointment:
There are several threads where people go on about how much they love their electric power steering
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732157&postorder=asc
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=731660&postorder=asc
For your consideration.
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Van den Broke
Samba Member
Joined: May 20, 2012
Posts: 207
Location: Victoria, Canada
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:03 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
| If you are starting with a manual steering van it might make sense to consider the electric system, avoiding the long pipes and hoses and tracking down all the stock parts. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fxr
Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2014
Posts: 2643
Location: Bay area CA
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 6:36 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
| Van den Broke wrote: |
| If you are starting with a manual steering van it might make sense to consider the electric system, avoiding the long pipes and hoses and tracking down all the stock parts. |
^^^^ This - it's what I did - but if you are starting with factory PS, surely it makes sense to repair or rebuild or replace with similar. Especially if there are dedicated rebuild kits available!
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
uberaudi
Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2013
Posts: 625
Location: Hi-top Country
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 9:23 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
I have the manual rack in my 84 and at some point upgraded to late model spindles and big brakes. I didn't really notice any additional strain to park the van with that setup and rocked it for a couple years that way. Now I have the EPS setup from Slaughterhouse and it's been a pretty incredible jump in refinement. Parking, rough roads, wind gusts, etc don't really raise any sort of alarm anymore, and last I looked their EPS was only compatible with the manual rack.
_________________
'84 Adventurewagen 1Z TDI, '08 Audi Avant Quattro 6spd BHW TDI |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8165
Location: WA/ID
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 10:12 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
| Van den Broke wrote: |
| If you are starting with a manual steering van it might make sense to consider the electric system, avoiding the long pipes and hoses and tracking down all the stock parts. |
| fxr wrote: |
| ^^^^ This - it's what I did - but if you are starting with factory PS, surely it makes sense to repair or rebuild or replace with similar. Especially if there are dedicated rebuild kits available! |
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Captain Pike
Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2003
Posts: 3437
Location: Talos IV, Piedmont Arizona
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 6:33 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
Do it. Then send me your old "worn out rack". I'll pay shipping.............
_________________
LEARN TO SELF RESCUE
59 Panel bus, 1966 Single cab. 73' 181. 73 Westy. 91' H6 Vanagon 3.3L.
....Bad Sneakers.... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
skemems
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2017
Posts: 247
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:07 pm Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
| ProbablyNotIan wrote: |
| 1988M5 wrote: |
| My AC isn't working right, should I convert it a no AC bus? No silly, fix the thing. Downgrades are not typically a first choice. |
I guess the idea of "downgrade" is open to interpretation.
Going to a full manual rack setup means less hoses, belts, pumps, fluids, and other points of failure.
|
Pretty sure just about any way you look at it, manual is a 100% downgrade. You can go aircooled and take out the wbx which would mean less hoses, belts, pumps, fluids etc... lol. Not trying to give any jabs its just that PS is effective and for many relatively problem free. Unless your looking for horsepower, dont you get 10hp by removing that pulley and belt. 
Anyway like someone mentioned, there's a good thread on here on rebuilding them, many have done it. Might be worthwhile in looking into that option.
GL
_________________
87 VW Westfalia - EJ25
86 VW Westfalia - EJ22
85 VW Westfalia - WBX 2.1 project |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
joetiger 
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5251
Location: denver
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:28 am Post subject: Re: Converting to Manual Steering Rack |
|
|
I went from power to manual on an '85 GL many years ago. My power rack was shot and I found a full, pretty much new manual setup in a U-pull-it yard back when Vanagons were plentiful, steering wheel and all.
I liked the simplicity. I liked the bigger steering wheel so much that I later installed one on my Syncro (with power steering.)
_________________
Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'91 Wolfsburg Carat "Barchetta"
'02 Baja-ish Beetle "Bubbles"
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Justice for Megan: https://linktr.ee/justiceformegantrussell |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
