Radius arm centering rings and front end rebuild

[Jan Peter de geus]

Hi folks,

I am finally rebuilding my front end. Took everything apart and am currently having the parts that will be re-used sandblasted and powder coated. I will use a new center tie rod, 4 new tie rod ends (the inner 2 angled), “new” steering damper, convert to “blue” springs, use “new” Koni strut inserts, new ball joints, “new” strut mounts, Golf urethane track control arm bushings (flanges ground off), a solid bronze idler arm bushing and new centering rings. I found the last ones and the strut mounts (together with a lot of other parts) at the VW Classic Parts Center in Germany (www.vw-classicparts.de). These guys have a remarkable number of air-cooled parts in stock, mostly NOS. To search the parts you need to know the VW part numbers, e.g. the centering rings (Führungsring für Querlenkerstrebe) have VW # 411 401 159, the strut mounts (BTW the ones with symmetrically spaced bolts) are called “Federbeinlager” and have VW # 461 412 329. Disadvantage for many of you is that the site is in German.

If I can find out a way to post pictures on the forum I will share some with you.

One drawback I encountered was that the right-hand mount for the sub frame – the “captive” nut that can move sideways for caster adjustment – was not movable at all. Even giving it several blows with a hammer did not help. I then decided to cut the box section open from the wheel well side to find out that a previous “rustoration” had been done so crappy that the captive nut got welded to it’s surroundings. One nice complication! I hope I will be able to make that section look decent again.

Another delay was separating the Pitman arm from the steering box. You need an incredible amount of force from a dedicated pitman arm puller to do so. I have never read anything about this in one of the old posts. And removing the pitman arm is the only way to be able to remove the inner tie rod at that side and the entire center tie rod……………

I will keep you posted, Jan Peter

[raygreenwood]

It is unecessary to remove the pitman arm. The easier way....trust me....is to remove teh three bolts that hold the steering box to teh firewall and also pull thr coupling to the steering column.

Through the years...I have found it is even easier to simply use a tie rod fork to seperate the center link from the track arms. You first remove the upper nut using a thin wrench pushed through from the front side of the car. It takes a little work, but you should not have to remove either the steering box or the pitman arm.

I have had the same issue with the captive nut. I used a 25mm bi-metal hole saw to make a clean hole from the wheel well side....and replace the nut, rustproof the interior, put anti-sieze on all surfaces...and then seal the outer hole with a nice plastic plug. Ray

[wildthings]

Where did you find the bent inner tierod ends? I would like to get a set if they are available somewhere.

[raygreenwood]

I have found the bent tie rod ends to be totally not necessary. They make no difference in the lifespan or steering ability. Its nice to stay original....but not worth the search time I spent on those items. Ray

[Jan Peter de geus]

I found the bent inner tie rods on eBay. You can probably buy them from Axel Stauber in Germany, €19,- each (http://shop.volkswarenhaus.de/) and I am sure you can buy them at the VW Classic Parts center, ask for VW # 311 415 818 B. They are listed as availabe, not original VW. I do not know the price.
If I remember correctly, one of the forum attendees mentioned to have found the bent tie rods somewhere in th US. Then you need to look back in older threads. Jan Peter

[Wally]

Hi folks,

I am finally rebuilding my front end. Took everything apart and am currently having the parts that will be re-used sandblasted and powder coated. I will use a new center tie rod, 4 new tie rod ends (the inner 2 angled), “new” steering damper, convert to “blue” springs, use “new” Koni strut inserts, new ball joints, “new” strut mounts, Golf urethane track control arm bushings (flanges ground off), a solid bronze idler arm bushing and new centering rings. I found the last ones and the strut mounts (together with a lot of other parts) at the VW Classic Parts Center in Germany (www.vw-classicparts.de). These guys have a remarkable number of air-cooled parts in stock, mostly NOS. To search the parts you need to know the VW part numbers, e.g. the centering rings (Führungsring für Querlenkerstrebe) have VW # 411 401 159, the strut mounts (BTW the ones with symmetrically spaced bolts) are called “Federbeinlager” and have VW # 461 412 329. Disadvantage for many of you is that the site is in German.

Hey Jan-Peter,

Nice going with all the steering and suspension renewal!
Excellent work. Nice to hear you're keeping the car and improving it further.

You can easily post pictures of your 411 at www.keversite.nl I wouldn't mind to see your project updates there as well

CU,
Walte

[Jan Peter de geus]

Thanks Walter,
I will start collecting some pictures and register to the site!
cheers, Jan Peter