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<DIV>In a message dated 4/14/2016 7:53:43 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
d.nohejl@gmail.com writes:</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px"><FONT
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" color=#000000 size=2 face=Arial>So we’ll
be replacing our steering box this weekend. Our 3 year old TRW box is
impervious to both adjustments and has in excess of 1.5” of play in both
directions. It seems like replacement could be a really straightforward job or
one with a lot of frustrations and little things to go wrong. I have a couple
of questions ahead of the job and any input would be very welcome. Here
goes:<BR><BR>1—Is it absolutely necessary to remove the gas tank?
<BR><BR>2—What’s the best way to deal with the drop arm? Is it necessary to
get a special tool like this?
<BR><BR>http://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-25262-Pitman-Arm-Puller/dp/B000CMHKR2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
<http://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-25262-Pitman-Arm-Puller/dp/B000CMHKR2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER><BR><BR>Or
could I maybe use my tie rod end removal
tool?<BR><BR>http://www.summitracing.com/parts/oes-27175?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKEAjw_7y4BRDykp3Hjqyt_y0SJACome3TKNWMympDRXkwYqDpDJpBjNcHF6BFrndRe2yVZe8NtxoCiwnw_wcB
<http://www.summitracing.com/parts/oes-27175?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKEAjw_7y4BRDykp3Hjqyt_y0SJACome3TKNWMympDRXkwYqDpDJpBjNcHF6BFrndRe2yVZe8NtxoCiwnw_wcB><BR><BR>3—Should
we remove the tie rod ends from the drop arm before removing the arm or should
we keep them in place throughout the job?<BR><BR>4—What lubricant is most
recommended for inside the box? <BR><BR>5—I keep reading that we’re supposed
to center the box by lining up the gap in the collar on the input shaft with a
mark on the body of the box. I just want to be sure I have the right mark on
the box. Does this look
okay?<BR><BR>http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1492065.jpg
<http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1492065.jpg><BR><BR>6—Any
common difficulties or stumbling blocks I should be aware
of?</FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>#1, No, that job can be done in the car. It's a little tight for space, but
can be done without removing the tank. You'll want to disconnect the steering
Column first, then drop the steering arm, then remove the 2 bolts holding the
box onto the beam.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>#2. I think I used a hammer to tap it free, but I might have used a pickel
fork on it. It's been about 17 years now since I last did that job.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>#3. I'm pretty sure you can leave them on, I only say that, as you're
mainly woring on disconnecting the other end of the drop arm.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>#4. You'll have to ask someone else, this is because some steering boxes
got oil, and some got grease, and there's no real way of knowing just by looking
at it.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>#5. I'd spin the steering input shaft all the way to 1 side, then, count
the number of turns to go to opposite lock. Then split that number in half. That
should get you very close to center. I only say that, as the mark you're looking
for might not be there.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>#6. Space will be tight, and you might have to take more stuff off to get
some room to maneuver, but it's kind of part of the job. Don't attach anything
tight, until you're sure it doesn't need to come off again. And pay attention to
the steering box clamp when you remove it from the car. I only say that, as it
has a number (31 or 34) and this determines which angle the steering box will
sit on the beam. I should also mention to pay attention to the steering
coupling wire connection, as it's part of the ground system for the horn, and
needs to be attached a certain way. Also inspect the rubber part for cracks, and
replace if needed.</DIV>
<DIV>Also, plan to spend most of the day on it. The weather headed your way
might allow for some outdoor work for a change. ;-) <FONT
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" color=#000000 size=2 face=Arial><BR></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT lang=0 size=2 face=Arial FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10">Bob 65 Notch
S with Sunroof</FONT></DIV></FONT></FONT></BODY></HTML>