Converting a new beetle to mechanical steering? - Upgrades (non engine related ) - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• Converting a new beetle to mechanical steering? by jtanguay on 12 Aug, 2008 12:58
• Just wondering if anyone knows a setup that will 'bolt on' to a new beetle to make it non power steering as i don't want to install a pump on the motor...  my other option is to buy a electric hydraulic motor...
  
  thanks
• #1 by gigaz2 on 12 Aug, 2008 14:57
• I've been searching on etka, and the new beetle is basically a pretty golf mk4, and that one doesn't have the manual steering option as well.
  
  but, me and a friend have put a mk4 steering on a mk3 golf shell, so you could do the opposite, not bolt on, but almost.
  
  you would need a mk2 steering box (also equips mk3) and non power steering mk3 rods. (thats my mk2 setup BTW )
  
  the mk2 rods are good to try it out, but you would run out of threads when aligning (one wheel would point left and the other right)
• #2 by gigaz2 on 12 Aug, 2008 15:48
• here is how i looks with mk2 rods with just one or two threads:
  
  
  
  in that picture it already had the same width as a mk3
• #3 by jtanguay on 13 Aug, 2008 06:34
• i wonder if i use the power steering rods but trim them a bit?
• #4 by gigaz2 on 13 Aug, 2008 07:28
• no, they won´t fit the non power steering box
  
  EDIT:
  the non PS rods end like a bolt, and the PS ones like a nut.
   
  an adapter could be machined, but I bought my rods for about 12€ each, so its not worth while the effort.
  
  I remember that there were differences in the way the steering column attaches to the box as well as its placement.
  
  its doable, but I would search for the electric pump solution first.
• #5 by jtanguay on 14 Aug, 2008 14:18
• http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hydraulic-power-steering-pump-Hot-rod-electric-Custom_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a552Q7c39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem250280300891QQitemZ250280300891QQtimeoutZ1218748778293
  
  looks like i'm buying this... having power steering even if the motor is off me likes!  not that these cars are that hard to steer...  :roll: someone MUST make a rally conversion or something!!! but i'd be into the $1000 kit range then, and noooooo thanks!  :lol: the guy has a good rating and new pumps are in the 600-700 dollar range  :shock: so hopefully i don't get a dud...
  
  i'll let everyone know how it works out once i get it running (might be a while  )  it's pretty simple though.  just give it a nice juicy big wire, then a 12v keyed power, and voila!  builds up a bit of pressure, and when you turn the steering wheel it kicks on and cycles off when driving straight. 1-2mpg's???  
• #6 by gigaz2 on 14 Aug, 2008 14:33
• 600bucks??
  
  Renault Clio diesel have electric hydraulic pressure pumps as the normal one wouldn't fit on the crowded engine compartment.
  
  a friend bought a used one for 140€, Ill bet you have similar pumps around there
• #7 by jtanguay on 14 Aug, 2008 15:53
• Quote from: "gigaz2"

  600bucks??
  
  Renault Clio diesel have electric hydraulic pressure pumps as the normal one wouldn't fit on the crowded engine compartment.
  
  a friend bought a used one for 140€, Ill bet you have similar pumps around there

  
  
  actually no.. apparently you guys are what we call... 'special'  :lol: was that 140€ for a new pump? i'm talking $600 for new from the dealer...
• #8 by gigaz2 on 14 Aug, 2008 17:45
• no, second hand, a new one would cost about that much (600)
  
  not so special, still looking for European companies to do coatings on pistons, powdercoating, and EDM...
• #9 by jtanguay on 22 Aug, 2008 05:12
• well got the pump.  yay no customs charges!  now i just need to get it installed  :roll:  :lol:
• #10 by shortysclimbin on 02 Oct, 2008 13:47
• My mk2 has a mk3 rack and control arms (wider) with a mk2 non power steering unit in it. I do need longer tie rods to pull it all together though. It was a really easy fit fwi!  If someone has the oem numbers for those rods that would be great since I am in europe right now.
  
  As far as the mk4 with a electro powersteering. Go with a 35mph cutoff to go all manual... You dont need it higher than that and might want more power lower than that. and I agree 1-2mpg could be saved with no ac add another 1mpg! Next thing to go for me is the coolant pump!
• #11 by jtanguay on 08 Oct, 2008 21:57
• Quote from: "shortysclimbin"

  My mk2 has a mk3 rack and control arms (wider) with a mk2 non power steering unit in it. I do need longer tie rods to pull it all together though. It was a really easy fit fwi!  If someone has the oem numbers for those rods that would be great since I am in europe right now.
  
  As far as the mk4 with a electro powersteering. Go with a 35mph cutoff to go all manual... You dont need it higher than that and might want more power lower than that. and I agree 1-2mpg could be saved with no ac add another 1mpg! Next thing to go for me is the coolant pump!

  
  
  electric coolant pump?  either that or a clutched coolant pump would be pretty 'cool'  :lol: or not...  :wink: for those really cold starts where the coolant might actually cool the pre-chambers and the head, so the motor doesn't combust the fuel as well...
• #12 by molgrips on 27 Oct, 2008 08:38
• Seat cars (another European VAG brand, for the unfamiliar - lovely cars) have electric power steering.
  
  You might have some luck with this
  
  http://www.bba-reman.com/content.aspx?content=seat_ibiza_electric_hydraulic_power_steering_pump
  
  Since it's a VAG part
• #13 by jtanguay on 27 Oct, 2008 11:04
• yea thanks, but still not cheap!  :lol: that is close to 700 canadian dollars!  i've spent 600 on another one that should work fine.
  
  i really wish we had those nice cars here, then parts like this would be at the wreckers for cheaper...