THE KOMBI KONNECTION

Keith D · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:36 pm Post subject: Steering problems

H E L P !!

My '71 Lowlite has developed a very nasty "clunk" from the steering. I jacked the vehicle up today and with the wheels in the air, turned the steering wheel from lock to lock. A horrible clunking sound comes from either the steering box, or maybe the steering column. It is not from the linkage or tie rod ends which have no apparent play. I can actually feel a jerk on the road wheels as if there is something catching inside the box. The steering box has what appears to be fresh oil on it's body.

Is there any well known Kombi problem that I know nothing about, or do I just pull the whole lot out and investigate before I use her again.

Thanks - Keith D

Brookie · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:24 am Post subject:

Did you check swing lever shaft- have someone turn wheel both ways with wheels on ground and see if there is vertical movement on swing lever shaft or draglink connection.
Some suspension parts must be checked under load.

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Kombis Keep you Younger

73 Sopru Poptop-under resto

Keith D · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:37 pm Post subject:

Sorry I have not acknowledged your reply earlier, Warren.

I was out all day Sunday and I'm back at work again today!

I've checked out everything that is visible. Which is really only the steering column "universal joint", above the steering box, and that seems fine. However, to see if there is any movement in the shaft in the steering box, I'll have to remove the inverted cover from under the vehicle.

I heard this noise first when I drove down to Alfred's at the beginning of this month. By the time I got home it was very loud and I won't drive it again until I know what it is. It developed much too quickly to be normal wear and tear.

I'll get stuck in at the weekend and I'll let you know what it is!

Regards and thanks - Keith D

Keith D · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:53 pm Post subject:

I've found my problem!!!

The ball joint on the pitman arm has had it! I'm used to ball joints wearing out slowly. This one went from OK to very loose (and very clunky) in about thirty kilometres. (From Upper Swan to Alfreds and back)

Unfortunately I find that I have to replace the whole drag link with front and back ball joints, as that is how it comes.

Still, at least I'll feel relaxed and comfortable in it again!!

Keith D

Diddlie · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 4:09 pm Post subject:

Glad to hear you sorted your problem out Keith.
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Di
Kombi Karma - you know it makes sense
www.klaus1.bigblog.com.au
76 8 seater poptop, resto'd in a fashion

Gabbo's Run · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 4:13 pm Post subject:

Good stuff keithy. Smile

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brian and cathy

1990 T3 Goldie
Once A king always a king, once a nights enough.

Brookie · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 4:32 pm Post subject:

I think they are around $100- Volkswest usually had one in stock.

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_________________
Kombis Keep you Younger

73 Sopru Poptop-under resto