Is the steering column rubber join critical?

[sagaboy]

I notice that the round rubber damper at the end of the steering column bolted with 4 nuts connecting to the steering gearbox--the damper rubber is breaking apart (50% tear).

1. Is it critical to change it immediately?
2. What's the easiest way to change it--remove the petrol tank first?

Will appreciate any suggestions

[Max Welton]

It's only as critical as your ability to steer the car.

Yes, pull the tank.

Max

[Dale M.]

Use original equipment type rubber or rubber-fabric (rag joint) when replacing...

Urethane ones tend to crack and split and self destruct a lot faster and with worse results than OEM rubber style....

There are some places where urethane products are superior, this is not one of them...

It can be done from behind left front wheel (remove wheel) .... No need to pull tank, its just not as "easy"...

Dale

[Jim Ed]

I notice that the round rubber damper at the end of the steering column bolted with 4 nuts connecting to the steering gearbox--the damper rubber is breaking apart (50% tear).

1. Is it critical to change it immediately?
2. What's the easiest way to change it--remove the petrol tank first?
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

That's a must have item.
Change it immediately.

Here's what I have been using for over 15 years without any problems:

http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=433
Rhino Steering Box Coupler

Change the little ground strap too if it is in bad shape.
It connects the two steering columns.

This requires the removal of the gas tank.

* disconnect the battery
* drain the tank (a good time to replace the tank outlet and finger shaped screen inside the tank, and the fuel hose.)
*remove the tank
*remove the little ground strap
*replace the rubber disc

[sagaboy]

It's only as critical as your ability to steer the car. :roll:Max

Does it mean that even when the rubber damper breaks into half, it won't cause the steering column to stop steering the car?

Any idea of the rubber damper coupling function?

Thanks for all the recommendations

[Piledriver]

It's only as critical as your ability to steer the car. :roll:Max

Does it mean that even when the rubber damper breaks into half, it won't cause the steering column to stop steering the car?

Any idea of the rubber damper coupling function?

Thanks for all the recommendations

No, he means if the rubber coupler breaks completely, inertia and the grooves in the road steer...
It provides some flex and IIRC is a pivot point for the column in a crash.

The OEM types are good for 30+ years...

[Max Welton]

A few weeks ago, the original coupler on my 63 failed. The result was maybe 180º slop at the steering wheel. Damn scary.

Max

[Piledriver]

Bet the pucker factor was WAY of the scale!!!!
(Note to self... Have a look at MINE)

[Jim Ed]

Does it mean that even when the rubber damper breaks into half, it won't cause the steering column to stop steering the car?

Any idea of the rubber damper coupling function?

-------------------------------------------------------

It means that if that rubber disc breaks in half the two pieces of the steering column will no longer be connected and you will all of a sudden be harmful to yourself and others. In others words, you will wreck the car.
I think it's function is to hold the two pieces of the steering column together and possibly so the steering column will separate if you have an accident.

[Max Welton]

Bet the pucker factor was WAY of the scale!!!!
(Note to self... Have a look at MINE)

I was very very lucky. When I touched the brakes, the car pulled to the right (off road) instead of to the left (into oncoming traffic). I think I invented some new words.

Max

[heliarc]

I'm glad this topic came up.I never even thought of mine, but you can bet before it gets driven this item will be replaced.

Again, I'm so glad I signed up here.

[Bruce2]

Inspect it, don't just replace it because it's old. You might be removing a perfectly good German original VW coupler and replacing it with a China piece of junk.

[Slow 1200]

I had a brazilian one that was electrically conductive=horn on all the time

[Bruce2]

The steering box is supposed to be electrically connected to the steering column all the time. The cct is completed at the horn button. If your horn was on all the time, it wasn't the couper's fault.

[Slow 1200]

The steering box is supposed to be electrically connected to the steering column all the time. The cct is completed at the horn button. If your horn was on all the time, it wasn't the couper's fault.

well, at least the way my old 64 was wired (it had some PO wiring hacks so it could be that) the steering box and the column definetly had to be isolated from each other, wich wasn't happening with that POS coupler!