Author Topic: Looking to convert to manual steering (Read 6401 times)

jtanguay · « **on:** May 26, 2008, 10:18:10 am »

http://parts.autopartsonlinecanada.com/parts/apocanada/quote.jsp?year=1991&product=M1000-17986&application=000196203&part=Steering%20Rack&category=M

I've found this baby under 1991 Golf. I'm assuming it will fit my car 1992 jetta, and only require manual tie rod assemblies.

can anyone confirm this before i blow $150?

jtanguay · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2008, 01:29:25 am »

am i the only one who's thought of this conversion??? squeeze a few extra mpg's and hp from your motor, and get rid of that pump that makes it hard to drain your coolant!! plus make some extra room under the hood!!! :lol:

rallydiesel · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:37:55 am »

Oh I am planning it! I have the manual u-joint and boot. I will eventually be ordering the very part you're looking at once the funds are available.

shegel · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2008, 10:01:13 am »

i know a guy thats getting me the rack and pinion for 118.00 with tierod ends. i guess the only thing else that is needed is the linkage thingy

jtanguay · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2008, 10:43:59 am »

Quote from: "shegel"

i know a guy thats getting me the rack and pinion for 118.00 with tierod ends. i guess the only thing else that is needed is the linkage thingy

linkage thingy? as in the piece that connects to the steering column? i'd imagine it to be the same on p/s and mech steering.

Dakotakid · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2008, 11:07:04 am »

I have not done it yet. But, I am hoarding a couple of manual racks from cars I have parted out for THIS very reason. I have just not gotten to doing it yet. I have parted out a lot of cars and I see nothing to hold you back.
If I end up pulling the engine I discussed with you out of my Eco, I will probably pull the power set-up and sell it on ebay or something. The power steering in these was never really necessary. The inconvenience of the pumps annoys me. But wouldn't you miss the leaking lines?

:lol: I see no reason why you won't just bolt, align, and go.

rallydiesel · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2008, 11:55:41 am »

Quote from: "jtanguay"

Quote from: "shegel"
i know a guy thats getting me the rack and pinion for 118.00 with tierod ends. i guess the only thing else that is needed is the linkage thingy

linkage thingy? as in the piece that connects to the steering column? i'd imagine it to be the same on p/s and mech steering.

Not on MkII's. The u-joint is a different length for manual.

jtanguay · « **Reply #7 on:** May 28, 2008, 11:08:27 am »

Quote from: "rallydiesel"

Quote from: "jtanguay"
Quote from: "shegel"
i know a guy thats getting me the rack and pinion for 118.00 with tierod ends. i guess the only thing else that is needed is the linkage thingy

linkage thingy? as in the piece that connects to the steering column? i'd imagine it to be the same on p/s and mech steering.

Not on MkII's. The u-joint is a different length for manual.

now the U-joint as in the piece that connects the steering column to the actual rack itself? or are you talking about the tie rod assemblies (the whole thing)

I know that i need the whole manual tie rod assembly, thats a given. but if i need another part from a car with manual steering to attach to the steering column (going from the shaft to the rack) then i guess i'll have to find that part...

luckily my rack doesn't leak (yet) and i don't abuse it (keep turning when there is no more to turn and wreck the thing) anyone want to buy a good used rack? :lol:

some of those big block guys are switching to electric power assisted steering and gaining 20 hp @ the wheels... :shock: Dakotakid from what you can see, is there another piece required to go from the rack to the column or would it be bolt on for either manual or p/s steering??

Dakotakid · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2008, 04:30:11 pm »

Sorry, I was away.
I went past one of the junk cars yesterday and it does seem like the little input shaft (into the top of the steering rack under the rubber boot) is taller on the power steering rack where the hydraulic lines enter. I just took a quick look in passing. That would seem to account for a shorter universal joint shaft part for the power steering.
I will not be able to go look until tomorrow. AND I will need rattlesnake protection when I go!!!!!!!! Ya, I got these little b*****ds everywhere here!!!! Many of them are not so little.
I can get back. Sorry for the delay.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2008, 05:00:12 pm »

That will definitly be finding it's way onto my car

Or a good used one for cheaper

jtanguay · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2008, 09:26:22 pm »

so the part circled in red is possibly a different length from mechanical and power assisted steering??? hmmm... this might pose a biiig problem :cry:

Dakotakid · « **Reply #11 on:** May 29, 2008, 10:24:08 pm »

Look, I've got two of these manual steering Mk II's simply waiting to go to the crusher. If you need the universal out of one or both.....they could be yours for the freight. I would have to swim through a couple of tons of mouse turds.......How soon do you need?

jtanguay · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2008, 07:39:06 am »

Quote from: "Dakotakid"

Look, I've got two of these manual steering Mk II's simply waiting to go to the crusher. If you need the universal out of one or both.....they could be yours for the freight. I would have to swim through a couple of tons of mouse turds.......How soon do you need?

don't need anytime soon, but before the cars go to the crusher would be nice :lol:

i'd say just yank all the guts and hang on to them. i'm sure other people on here would like to convert over as well.

Dakotakid · « **Reply #13 on:** May 30, 2008, 08:15:59 am »

I understand. I will get to it asap.
Where does a guy buy one of those large rubber boots which cover THAT universal joint end on top of the rack there? I never go to the local dealer for parts as their whole attitude is sooooo bad and negative.
I needed one of these last summer when I put a gas Jetta together. I recycled one wih a bunch of black tape. Wasn't proud of this. Had to drink some moonshine and pick the bango to put it all in perspective!!!! :roll:

jtanguay · « **Reply #14 on:** May 30, 2008, 08:36:27 am »

i don't think parts places have them, but maybe they can order from the dealer... they will mark up the price though.

my local vw dealer is pretty cool. they help me out quite a bit and have heard of Giles