Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:52:59 -0800
Reply-To: Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Tires/upper balljoint/steering rack work. Report
In-Reply-To: <c4e7c5f90811251954u3b13fc6an2542a1e8157162f@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
If you were old enough you'd already have a tool like that - a drum brake
adjuster is exactly what you've described and I've used it for tasks like
that more times than I've used it to adjust drum brakes!
On Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 7:54 PM, neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> This is mostly aimed at the newbs out there. This is what I did. NOT
> saying it's the way to do it.
>
> I replaced both upper ball joints, and lubed the steering rack. Now my
> steering is easier. I suspect lubing the rack made the biggest
> difference. I found it tricky to put the big ends of the steering rack
> boots back on. Even with the steering wheel turned so the boot was
> closer to the rack. (hint hint) So I made a tool. I bent the tip (~ 1"
> in) of an old small-ish slot screwdriver, at 45*. Smoothed out the
> edges. The portion of the boot near frame, is hard to get your hands
> on. I used the tool to slip this part of the boot onto the rack. This
> tool was also useful for applying the grease on the rack gear. It may
> even prove to be useful for adjusting the brakes. Oh ya. I also found
> that turning the boot while holding the rubber in place helped to slip
> it on.
>
> Prior to doing the work, the front end was squeaking. In checking the
> driver side upper arm I noticed it was pretty stiff. (up/down) No play
> in it, so I figured the bushings etc. were likely ok. I squirted some
> "chain lube" type stuff in the "cracks" and let it soak in. Moved it
> up/down a few times. It moved easier after that. No squeaks now. FWIW,
> I doubt the D-side ball joint with the failed boot was causing this
> sound. Don't know how long the lube will last though.......
>
> Preliminary thoughts on the upgrade to Yokohama Y370. No noticeable
> increase in tire noise, and feels a little more sure footed. (upgraded
> from Nexen 185 R14) Better traction on wet surfaces. *Seems* better in
> crosswinds, but no real test of that yet. Happy with the purchase.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Neil.
>
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta "Jaco
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
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>
--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27
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