I've searched the archives, and a few people talk about it, but nobody claims to have completed the job. Anybody done it?

If not, does anyone have one they'd like to sell? This is for the manual rack (part# 944.347.027.01). Thanks.

 

I've always wondered about this too...I hope you get an answer.

 

The one I just installed recently was bad and I swapped it out Sunday for a brand new unit. If anyone wants to try I have the int. shaft I just pulled out.

Strange how the tiniest amount of play seems to make such a big difference in feel. The new shaft is super smooth lock to lock....act fast if you want a new one...there doesnt seem to be many left in the country.

 

I thought about it, but the new one was AUD$90 (~USD$70) from the dealer, so I went with that.

 

I have changed them on two of my cars and successfully. Dimensions are 16x40mm and the cost me like 6$ a piece. Plus two hours of labour but it was no rocket science.

 

Raceboy,

Would you like to elaborate on that $6 fix?

Thanks
Tom

 

Please!

 

The intermediate shaft on the power racks is slightly shorter than the ones on the manual racks. However, they both use the same universal joint, as do the VW, Audi intermediate shafts of the time. These units are big heavy cast iron things that if you examine closely say "Germany WWII." If I would guess where they came from - they would be the perfect size to steer the cannon around on a Panzer tank. My guess is they had a surplus and used it. The universals sit on splines and crimp down onto them. All you'd need is the appropriate size universal - which Raceboy seems to have listed and the job is done. Consult a transmission and drivetrain shop and they might point you in the right direction to find a universal like that. OR....if my hunch is correct contact a German auto manufacturer of government and theyd probably give them to you lol...

 

I would love for that speculation to be proven!

 

Where is a good place to order the new rack? I'm VERY interested in this one because I've got some play in the steering and I absolutely hate it. I googled the parts # and came up with Berlyn Services in the UK.

 

Pelican is looking for a new one for me. If they can find one I'll go that way, but if not, I'm going to try to modify one from a power rack by cutting it and welding a sleeve in it to "stretch" it. That might be easier than the u-joint swap. The splined ends are the same between power and manual, right?

 

yes

 

Dan (Sharky) where are you?

It seems that we all could do with some new steering rod / UJ replacements, maybe an upgrade made of stainless steel. They do not seem too difficult to manufacture. There is a company in the UK that did some work on this, they are NF Auto. But I am sure if we can get the attension of Dan, he might look at this.

 

Good idea...

 

I think using chromemoly pipe instead of solid cast iron bars for the intermediate shaft might shave (more than) a few pounds off the car.

Calmchaos - it is just speculation, however I do know that my intermediate shaft reads "Germany WWII" and its ridicuously overbuilt. Like it could get hit with a mortar or something.