I need some help - I recently replaced most of the front end on my 73 Super Beetle; I had no idea how old the parts were and they were showing some serious wear. To make a long story short, the car now has a new center tie rod, new outer tie rods and ends, new ball joints, and a new(er) steering damper. After installing all these parts I had the car professionally aligned for safety.
Almost immediately afterwards I noticed a significant increase in steering effort - the wheel will usually not return to center on its own exiting turns. This is also accompanied by a sort of binding/grinding sound from the front of the car. Even stranger, the symptoms get worse the warmer the temperature. On days less than 60 degrees I hardly noticed anything, above 80 or 90 and I was afraid to drive. I realize the severity and have ceased driving the vehicle - but the problem needs addressing.
I have tried (unsuccessfully) to isolate the cause of the sound. It is impossible to tell where it is coming from - no matter where you crawl under or put your ear it sounds different. Even with the entire front off the ground the noise and increased effort persist. I have disconnected the damper and it checks ok.
Could the steering box itself be a possibility? Or the universal joints on the steering column? I'm becoming desperate, but I don't want to tear everything apart unless there is no alternative. Thanks in advance for any advice!