Steering box

[Brett Proctor]

Just wondering what everyone is using for a steering box. The one that came with the car(stock VW) is shot so if I have to rebuild or replace it why not up grade if there is that option.

Thanks
Brett

 

[delbertinie]

stock

 

[ydeardorff]

Im currently using a stock one. however after looking at the 800 dollar kit for the rack and pinion one, I believe I can duplicate it fairly easily using a small steering rack, and a carrier.

Once I have a steering rack out of a car I can use, Ill try to mock something up to test it.

Its just matter of finding a small enough rack in width. I'd personally like to go with a power assist rack to deal with my tire width at slower speeds.
It would use the stock VW steering components minus the stock steering box itself. It would work in the same way and should not throw off the steering geometry at all.

 

[letterman7]

A steering rack out of an '80's Rabbit will work; I'm not sure if any were powered or not. The one main, huge thing that you must pay attention to if putting in an aftermarket rack is that the geometry is absolutely correct. Even a half inch off in the overall throw of the tie-rods will screw up the entire front end - ask me how I know. There are some off-road buggy r&p's that are meant for the Beetle front suspensions; check some of the on-line retailers like Moore's for those.

 

[ydeardorff]

well said rick.
Though, one thing,... DO NOT put an off road buggy rack in your car. It will not only fail most vehicle inspections, but it will be nearly undriveable on the highway. There are similar looking racks that meet the minimum turn to turn requirements, and are safe to use on the highway.

Off road steering parts do not translate to safe street driving.

Here is that 900 dollar kit.
TheSamba.com :: View topic - rack and pinion kit pics for ghias and beetles

If the VW polo is the VW jetta in America, then the steering rack could be nabbed at just about any junk yard. Its unique in that it pushes and pulls only form one end.

 

[letterman7]

I don't think a later Polo rack will work. Early Rabbit racks will (don't know if the Polo was Jetta or Rabbit here). Here's a link for both sides of the discussion: Shoptalkforums.com • View topic - Rack and pinion installation

And found a power unit on fleabay: 1980-1982 Rabbit Power Steering Rack and Pinion | eBay

Of course, you'll still need the boots, rod ends and all that good stuff, plus the steering pump which if probably still on the engine. And you'll need to pay attention to where it'll mount, whether it's in front of the centerline of the wheels (making it 'front steer') or behind (making it, obviously, 'rear steer'). Learned the hard way on my MII front end. I still have the old Omni rack if you want to try to make that work. Needs some cleaning and new boots, but it's a manual rack.

 

[ydeardorff]

And found a power unit on fleabay: 1980-1982 Rabbit Power Steering Rack and Pinion | eBay

SWEET FIND! I cant say Im hyped up on the price, but the fact they exist is very cool! Thanks Rick!

Im looking at making my own system. Hopefully I can use the WRX pump, with another rack.

After looking at how they connected the system to the stock bug components, I think its pretty straight forward. The real trick would be mounting it to the front beam. That will take some custom work to make it solid.

 

[delbertinie]

I've driven my car 1800 miles now and I have no plans to change the steering. It steers just fine and I like the feel of the car.