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Loose steering

I've got a '98 Mexican air-cooled Beetle, which many of youi know is basically like a '70's Standard Beetle but with swing-axle trans.

A few months ago, I noticed very slight play in the steerign wheel before it would turn the wheels. It has gotten progressively worse, and now I have to adjust my steering because of it, so much so that I don't think I'll drive it much more before I figure out what's wrong. This car only has 20,000 miles on it from the factory, so I can't believe anything is worn. I would guess that something must have come loose. What should I check?

Thanks

Reply to
Ed (formerly "a")
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Jack the whole front up (use jack stands). Get under the front and have someone wiggle the wheel thru the "dead" zone while you watch what moves and doesn't.

If the Pitman arm stays still, then all the play is in the box. Did you check the 4 bolts on the cover for tightness?

I don't trust a box that requires frequent adjustment.

Speedy Jim

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Reply to
Speedy Jim

Reply to
Karls Vladimir Peña

Tie rod ends. The box itself may wear real fast at first, as it "breaks itself in". Then the wear slows down when the parts match each other. Just a guess.

Jan

Reply to
Jan Andersson

Yes, pretty much, even though the linkage is different. From the test, decide if the play is in the box or not. On a Super, the box is better and most problems are in the idler arm bushing or tie rod ends. Jim

Reply to
Speedy Jim

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