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Aloha All,
While looking for solutions for the seemingly common centerlink/idler arm bushing replacment parts dilema and seeing Rays rebuilding methods, I think I might have an additional idea I haven't seen (I admit I may not have researched enough) yet. Looking under my 411 it looks like a prime candidate for a rack and pinion set up. Has anyone done this or had this discussion before? Looks like two places could be used for a rack mount, one welded to the "Frame head" (I don't know what this is called) or maybe better, with the steering box and idler arm assembly removed, a mount could be easily welded up and bolted into their place. Then using a Volvo type drivers side input rack and U-joint steering shaft from maybe a Rabbit, it looks like it would work. I'm not sure about bump steer and such but with the struts, it would be real similar to other strut suspensions out there. Too me it looks like VW was heading in that direction anyway. Any problems with this idea? If this worked, it would be easier to get off the self racks from newer vehicles.

Aloha, Theo

If you wled anything to the frame head...it is then junk. Also...you would lose all castor adjustment by welding to the frame head...or subframe as it is actually called. But...you are 100% on the right track... and it is much simpler than all of that.

Notice if you will...that both the steering box and the idler arm bracket have the same identical 3 hole bolt pattern.
Get an extra idler arm bracket...it is the same as super beetle generally....and bolt it into place where thesteering box was . Weld yourself a "ladder frame" of two tubular cross pieces and a flat plate on each side. On the end of each tube...on both ends....put a solid heim jont "eye"....threaded into the ends. This way you can simply put a fat bolt through both eyes and the idler arm bracket at each end. Then turn the eye mounts at each end.....like adjusting idler arms.....to stress the ladder tight between each side. On the welded on flat plate...you can then ,ount a manual rabbit rack....it has the same exact number uf steering turn lock to lock.
This ladder frame also acts as a lower strut tower tie bar...it would be awesome. The rabbit rack runs about $175. Ray

I need to rebuild the steering on my 412 and I have been thinking about converting to a modern rack. I think the effort involved might be worth it for sharper and faster steering response, plus of course the availability of parts! The idea’s been mentioned in Jani’s racecar thread, but I don’t want to hijack it so resurrected this one instead!

Ray, I’ve been working your steering rack ideas over in my head; wouldn't your ladder frame interfere with the standard fuel tank and place the rack very close to the passenger cell bulkhead making difficult to angle the steering column into the rack? Also, wouldn't the ladder frame be sitting at the wrong angle for mounting most racks?

I think the ideal place for the rack would be where the centre link currently resides; this would mean bolting it somehow to the front subframe. It’s the way most modern steering racks are fitted and it seems to make sense to anchor the rack to the same frame as the suspension arms. I’ve read your thoughts regarding castor adjustment, but wouldn’t a sliding splinded universal joint enable movement for castor adjustment?

Just some thoughts… maybe I should just rebuild my centre link and replace the idle arm bushing!!

The rabbit/golf racks bolt at an 90* angle. They are straight up....so "if" you could get a ladder frame in there...it should be little problem. The rabbit rack is also small.

Its very possible that the top bar of the ladder fram would contact the fuel tank. I have already test fitted two idler brackets...and they fit fine. The upper bar may have to be cranked downward. Its also possible to get away with one lower bar. Keep exploring... Ray

Thanks Ray

Please keep us informed on how your project develops!

Neil

raygreenwood wrote:The rabbit/golf racks bolt at an 90* angle. They are straight up....so "if" you could get a ladder frame in there...it should be little problem. The rabbit rack is also small.

Its very possible that the top bar of the ladder fram would contact the fuel tank. I have already test fitted two idler brackets...and they fit fine. The upper bar may have to be cranked downward. Its also possible to get away with one lower bar. Keep exploring... Ray

I thought the Rabbit racks had a slight angle to the input shaft? Why does welding ruin the subframe? Here's an idea- fabricate entire custom subframe?