Author Topic: Converting a new beetle to mechanical steering? (Read 3388 times)

jtanguay · « **on:** August 12, 2008, 03:58:37 pm »

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

gigaz2 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 12, 2008, 05:57:41 pm »

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)

gigaz2 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 12, 2008, 06:48:51 pm »

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

jtanguay · « **Reply #3 on:** August 13, 2008, 09:34:39 am »

i wonder if i use the power steering rods but trim them a bit?

gigaz2 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 13, 2008, 10:28:18 am »

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.

jtanguay · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2008, 05:18:42 pm »

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???

gigaz2 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2008, 05:33:58 pm »

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

jtanguay · « **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2008, 06:53:28 pm »

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...

gigaz2 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 14, 2008, 08:45:03 pm »

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...

jtanguay · « **Reply #9 on:** August 22, 2008, 08:12:02 am »

well got the pump. yay no customs charges! now i just need to get it installed :roll: :lol:

shortysclimbin · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2008, 04:47:08 pm »

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!

jtanguay · « **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2008, 12:57:04 am »

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...

molgrips · « **Reply #12 on:** October 27, 2008, 11:38:04 am »

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

jtanguay · « **Reply #13 on:** October 27, 2008, 02:04:15 pm »

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...