rack and pinion on 02

[Michael Ghia]

The steering rack bolts to the body and the strengthening plates which it bolts to are already there on 1303's. These double as the strengthing plates which your steering box and idler box bolt to.
The only thing you need to add is the M10 captive nuts for the rack to bolt to.
The chassis frame head needs clearancing for the rack aswell as has already been pointed out. Once this is done, it is a real bugger to get the gearshift rod in and out so if you're going to replace that flaky old gearshift rod bush.. do it beforehand!!
MG

[MattKab]

We are assuming the r&p Bug has the same steering geometry as the steering box '03/'02? This potential difference is near negligable when compared to the difference in Ackerman geometry when using Porsche spindles...

This is my experience with a rack'n'pinion Beetle.

I'm mostly recalling from mental notes here, the distance between the track-rod end and the steering axis is much less on my 951 stub-axles than the '03 stubs they replaced. The angle is different aswell. Also remember the Porsche stub axles have a drop spindle effect. The shorter length sharpens up the steering response/reduces the ratio, less turns lock-to lock, quite noticably. Not going to happen, as the stock wheels won't be going back on. The wide/big offset wheels that now fit under the stock front wing/fender will need steering limiting to prevent tyre fouling at the rear inner sidewall. Old news. I'm not sure if 944 'rod ends have different hieght, angle and length/steering geometry than 951. Mike Ghia, You've seen both Can you check for us? How is that Kab you were building? For you father wasn't it?

Limiting the steering is easy and safe on a steering box Superbug, as the mechanism is external. Unlike the 'rack which needs stop's fitting, to limit the throw of the wheels. This involves major surgery, to do it the way I did. And must be top quality. I will be doing this op again soon as I've aquired another rack as a spare. This time I'll take pics and share them. Some people argue that we do not drive on the steering limits (e.g. common, or garden rat-look Cal lookers). I believe a sorted GL car sould be able to drive at full-lock. Agree?

People in the UK remember, any evidence of welding or even heating on a steering or suspension component is an MOT failure.

The shift rod bush, I struggled and failed to get my shift rod out without bending it when I replaced that on my '79, they must have been flexed when first fitted When the shift rod is slid all the way to the the end of the tunnel, the bush can be changed easily.

Matt

[Michael Ghia]

Matt,

Kab is coming along nicely... looking very shiney in its new paint! Spend lots of time tip-toeing around it not scratching paint!

Not sure about the welding or heating of any steering component being an MOT failure. I worked for an MOT station for a while and its not one I've come across. I'll check it out with my old boss and he can dig out the book

We have lengthened the steering arms by about 50mm per side. With anti bump steer kits fitted so that the track rod enters the spindle from the top, the angle of the track rod is almost identical to that of the bottom arm so pretty good.

If your wheels catch on any part of the car on full lock, its an MOT failure.. I know that much and I'll be looking to sort that out. I've only just dropped the car down on its front suspension and not tried the steering on full lock so we'll see how it goes.

MG

[MattKab]

Originally Posted by Michael Ghia

Not sure about the welding or heating of any steering component being an MOT failure. I worked for an MOT station for a while and its not one I've come across. I'll check it out with my old boss and he can dig out the book

Save yourself the bother, I'm also a VOSA/MOT tester

From the MOT bible: "structural repair by welding to a steering linkage component, or signs of excessive heat having been applied"

2.2c reason for rejection d

MOT testers guide

[Michael Ghia]

Hmmmmm... looks like I'll be cleaning them up nicely before they go for powdercoating then

Cheers
MG

[MattKab]

That's the way we do it!

[Jeza]

Welding of steering columns (shafts) is also a failure in NZ and can't be "certified" by an engineer either.

I would be curious to see what you have done regarding steering limiters. I gave this some thought a while ago, but can't remember if I came to a good conclusion

Are either of you able to share with us a measurement of the positon of the rack (eg its center) to a body component?

We didn't get 1303's out this way - other than private imports- and none that I've seen are late model ones.

Thanks
Jeremy