What are people doing with their worn steering boxes? Mine has got a fair amount of play - changed everything else on the front! I am looking to get powersteering fitted for next year so am wondering do I bite the bullet and get a replacement steering box(VWH £200) fitted as part of that upgrade - or are the replacements Marmitee?! Or is there some guy in his shed somewhere refurbing the originals?
Are you sure its the steering box. I had steering wheel play and most of it was the badly worn rubber puck coupling. It was cheap carp. It was split and dangerous. I got a genuine vw one from VW Heritage and topped up the box with correct gear oil. Now very little play and steers well.
I'll have a look at that. I got rid of loads a play on the front when overhauled the front in the spring. The box was adjusted at that time but wasnt great so if I am going PAS I figure replace the box at the same time to get maximum benefit.
Unbolt the round cover at the base of the steering column inside the van. Lift it up and you can see the rubber coupling and the red plastic filler plug on the steering box. If you have a manual there is a diagram showing the coupling bolted to the steering column flange and the steering box flange. The coupling sits between them. Look for splitting and cracking in the coupling and any slack in the bolts. I would replace it anyway to be sure. Plus new bolts, washers, nuts etc. On my van I jacked up both front wheels off the ground so you can check what happens when the wheel is turned. Get someone to assist you. With the wheels off the ground you can turn the wheel fully both ways to check the steering box. You said you overhauled the other steering parts underneath, so I assume there is no play there. Can I ask why you are wanting power steering? I am curious as I am well retired now and I find the original steering setup on my van to be light and positive and a joy to drive. My van is only a little heavy to steer when I am reversing slowly out of my driveway. Same goes for my mgb. Once on the move, the steering is a doddle for both.
Try a van or MGB with PAS then you’ll know why – chalk and cheese. Next time I’m back in the UK you’re welcome to try either of mine, only problem is I don’t use the Dover crossing so I’m not often in your neck of the woods. You could always make a visit to France.
Recon boxes aren't worth doing. I'm not convinced they actually do anything to them other than pack them with grease (not a good idea) and paint them.
I agree. I have seen some dreadful ones. They can be rebuilt if you can get the parts. I have not done one for a long time but they are on my list of projects. So I will be looking for old boxes. Robert
Have a search on here for box rebuild and setup threads. Unless the thing's been belted on the curb, you can normally rework them well.
At the moment I can only drive it in fairly straight lines or for short periods and manueving/reversing absolutely kills me. Thats why I am getting PAS. I love driving the bus and the wife would appreciate a bit more help on our long trips. But before I do that - funds permitting- I want to sort out the steering box. It is the weak link as everything else has been gone over and updated if necessary. I checked and the coupling was one of the first things to go as it was perished.
Each to his own. Personally I would not want to ruin my classic original mgb with PAS. Same goes for my classic bay van. I enjoy the charm and quirkiness of classic vehicles so I can drive them as they were when they were made. Thats the experience I love. Thats why I bought them. Maybe another option for you is to sell your bay and buy a modern T4 or T5 with power steering which both of you could drive, thats what a lot of people do. You would get a far better driving and camping experience and travelling long distances would be far less tiring. At the Grill n Chill this year there were loads of folks with their T4's and T5's camping and having fun along with the others like me with the old style classic vans. Another thought, I met a nice old chap at the event with his T4 Autosleeper Trident, very nice van indeed. Diesel engine in the front, well fitted roomy interior, modern power steering. Great van, but not a classic.
There are other threads on the power steering topic on the forum, so its been well aired. I get my PAS fix in my Polo and yes its modern easy driving but so passive. I can only pick up on whats been said on the forum, but it seems that PAS kits are available but would the old steering box cope or would it mean replacing the box with a steering rack setup. I am curious. Sounds expensive to me.
I wanted an LT lol but the wife wanted a Bay! However I am now a convert which is why I need PAS to drive it more. it puts a smile on my face. As for T4/5, I think my feelings on the subject are fairly well known and can be summarised as charmless, builders van. ( sorry Ricky) The Litesteer PAS is a nicely done solution, doesnt take over the dash and is speed sensitive, if a tad expensive. I think if you had a choice of either having to sell your mgb/van or fitting PAS then you would choose the latter - no contest.
When I overhauled my steering in the summer I ran out of adjustment on my box and still had play ! The main noticeable repairs was steering idler pin and a Vw coupling these both made s huge difference!! I took a gamble and got a steering box for £46 on eBay "untested " stripped mine and the other 1 replaced seals and made 1 good one out the 2 and got lucky I now have adjustment ect and steering is tip top now !!
Yes the idler pin made a huge difference on mine too. I have the same problem wrt adjustment so might have to do something similar and get another box as no one has come in praising the new ones!
