I'd take your shocks off first and try a speed bump. Or liberally WD40 the ends of them and see if the creaking stops.
I got them from fabrik interiors. Www.buseyes.co.UK Loads of different colours, also came with a colour coded bag
I decided to have a crack at my steering today, even though I am putting a red 9 on in a few weeks, I wanted to prove to myself that the steering is rubbish anyway. So I returned the spare box I had with one of @Keith.H seal kit. Then I took the old box off. Used a pitman arm puller to get the drop arm off and yes, it did make me shart myself when it went bang. Old versus new to me(Over 3 years ago) spare Put it all back on and wasn't to bad in the end. Will have a test drive on thursday hopefully. Then using it at the weekend. Defo a job that could be done at Techenders as long as the nuts and bolts have had a good soaking in penetrating fluid for the week before. Mine was easy as it is a dry USA import (yes I am bragging).
The drop arm does go with a bit of a pop doesn't it.. Great job, now the big question.....is the Red 9 really necessary
Different. It's PAS so no comparison really. The bay steering is pretty good though. I did what you've just done early last year and fresh oil certainly helped. I don't think there was as much wear as in your box though. I do think the new Vanhawks make it a bit twitchy in higher winds on the mway so the steering is a real combo of shocks, bushes, donut, tyres and steering box
everything else is rock solid on mine just the box was looser than a loose thing, will see what its like with this new one but i do think that the red9 will make towing a hell of a lot easier and the cross winds will be better too i think. Also i want Kerry to drive it as well so we can go on longer road trips
is that the varga box that vwh sells? i've got one on mine, been on for a few months now. it needed adjustment after the first 100 miles, and then another tweak after another 500.. seems ok now but the jury is out as to whether its: a) just settling down and will be fine now, or b) made of cheese and i should have gone red9 after all.
So I drive the bus today and the steering is slightly better, BUT not cancel the red9 better, it still has to much play in the actual box when the wheel is centered for my liking.