Syncro Steering Rack - different?

[Trundler]

So I CAN use the 2WD rack, despite what the eBay seller says.. Thanks chaps

Are they difficult (ie expensive) to fit?

[silverbullet]

Assuming it's a manual rack as it's only £75...Remove 4 bolts through the bushes that will be near-seized, the bushes will want replacing too as they were made from liquorice, take the steering shaft coupling pinch bolt out, prize the clamp open a bit, remove the relay shaft, replace all the brick-hard & cracked flex-joint/donut things while you're in there (2 outside, one inside at bottom of column under the rubber shroud, another pinch bolt etc)
Pop the track-rod ends at the uprights, swap the rods over to the new rack if they aren't knackered on the bench. Check boots for splits and perishing. Put it all back together again.

Loads of fun but not difficult.

[max and caddy]

"about 20mm" isn't accurate enough for me

I suppose I could calculate the exact dimension from the difference in rack strokes and apply that ratio to the effective S.A.L. but it would be nice to have a pair of 14" PAS uprights to check against...

Are you sure the 14" pas uprights are different to non pas?

[clift_d]

Is it a complete no-no to upgrade the steering to PAS without changing the steering knuckles? I've got a kit of parts for our 2WD Westy - PAS rack, pump and bracket, fluid reservoir, pipes, bushes etc, that I'd like to get fitted sometime but I was hoping that it could be done without changing the knuckles over.

(PS apologies if it's out of order to come in on this forum with a 2WD question…)

[max and caddy]

2wd I have no idea about...but looked on etka for the syncro and only one part number is listed for the 14" upright so I think the pas/ non pas thing is a myth...untill proven with pics anyway...

I have seen the 16" ones with two holes in them however.

Either way...I have a pas rack retro fitted to my pick up..and it works and gets to full lock etc...so it should be possible for 2wd as well.

[syncropaddy]

Define 'steering knuckles' please.

[clift_d]

Define 'steering knuckles' please.

It's what VW calls the front stub axles.

http://www.vagcat.com/epc/cat/vw/T2/1988/78/52/884618/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[syncropaddy]

I see. Well according ETKA there are a good few different 'steering knuckles' listed for 2WD and power steering is mentioned as having a specific steering knuckle.

Stub axle is a much better description ......

[R0B]

I have a couple of the P/S ones going spare should anyone be interested.

[max and caddy]

I see. Well according ETKA there are a good few different 'steering knuckles' listed for 2WD and power steering is mentioned as having a specific steering knuckle.

Stub axle is a much better description ......

But for the syncro I only see 2 options....14 or 16" no pas mentioned.....and if it will work on a syncro why not a 2wd?

[syncropaddy]

I see. Well according ETKA there are a good few different 'steering knuckles' listed for 2WD and power steering is mentioned as having a specific steering knuckle.

Stub axle is a much better description ......

But for the syncro I only see 2 options....14 or 16" no pas mentioned.....and if it will work on a syncro why not a 2wd?

Its a whole different ball game up front on a 2WD ....

[clift_d]

So what would be the consequences of retrofitting OEM power steering without changing the steering knuckles? Is it only turning circle limitations or similar or would there be major control issues that could be dangerous?

[silverbullet]

Manual rack has a much longer stroke compared to PAS, around 215mm vs. 175mm (roughly) so PAS must have a shorter steering arm length or you will get over-assisted steering and a reduced turning circle with manual uprights.

i.e Dangerous and inconvenient.

[max and caddy]

Manual rack has a much longer stroke compared to PAS, around 215mm vs. 155mm (roughly) so PAS must have a shorter steering arm length or you will get over-assisted steering and a reduced turning circle with manual uprights.

i.e Dangerous and inconvenient.

On syncro or 2wd?

[silverbullet]

Same stroke for either application afaik, part numbers don't suggest otherwise.