[Vwdiesel] conversion from power steering to manual steering on an '82 Rabbit

[James Hansen]

The ratios are different on manual vs power steering, and I notice not a lot
of difference between the two because of this.  I kind of like the feel of a
manual rack actually, so no disadvantages I know of, unless the car is
heavily loaded, and the driver is not very strong at all, turning the wheel
when stationary becomes an small issue like when parallel parking, but my
wife can do it, and she is not very strong.

I kind of side with the if it isn't broke, don't fix it crowd however.
-James

-----Original Message-----
From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com]On
Behalf Of Scott Alexander
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2006 9:46 PM
To: vwdiesel list
Subject: [Vwdiesel] conversion from power steering to manual steering on an
'82 Rabbit


My '82 Rabbit has power steering.  Each time I try to do anything deeper
in the engine compartment, I curse the extra hoses that seem to be right
in the way.  Also, driving a friend's '83 GTi, the manual steering seems
to work pretty well even at parking lot speeds, so I'm not sure I'm
getting much practical advantage from the power steering.

Bus Depot, among others, seems to have a manual steering rack for $120,
so I'm considering a swap and am wondering:

- Is there a disadvantage to swapping from power to manual steering that
I've overlooked?
- Has anyone done this and is there anything I should I know before
starting in on the work?
- Before I go spend some quality time looking at Kate, does anyone know
what parts besides the rack need to be changed over?

My thermostat seems to have failed and the power steering pump is right
in the way, so I'm inclined to make the swap when I deal with that.

Thanks,
Scott Alexander
Warren, NJ
--

_______________________________________________
Vwdiesel mailing list
Vwdiesel at vwfans.com
http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/vwdiesel
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.1.0/269 - Release Date: 2/24/2006

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.1.0/269 - Release Date: 2/24/2006