STEERING PROBLEM -- THINK STEERING BOX.

[NextGen]

This has been going on for a while, but now is getting worse. My friend put the bug on his lift and checked the wheels, and wheel bearing, shocks entire from suspension and found the car safe to drive -- meaning nothing is going to fall off and I crash into a wall or go off a cliff. But weight of the bug was on the lift, wheels were not lifted.

. The problem the steering is rough, when driving straight if I move the wheel it will grab and stay in that position till I pull it back. Dangerous!!!! Mind of it's own.
So I did a simple test, Jacked the front end off the ground and turned the steering wheel it is rough throughout the range. Tried adjusting the steering wheel gap and yes that works but rough moment is throughout the range.

I am guessing the the Steering Box.

Next question. Can I remove it by just taking off the front wheels, without removing the gas tank.

[qaxa]

Gas tank needs to be removed.

[NextGen]

That I figured and the easiest way. So to you agree that it is most likely the Steering box?

[NextGen]

Funny about removing the tank, I thought so, but what through me off the Bentley book said you can do it by lifting the car and taking off just the drivers side wheel. Ha.

I guess you can but it would be like building battleship in wine bottle.

[qaxa]

Yes I should have elaborated on that: it is possible but not practical unless one has really, really small hands

Much easier to remove the tank and get some space.

[raygreenwood]

Superbeetle with struts or standard with beam?

Yes its probably the steering box.....but...

In either car type it can also be ball joints and/or tie-rod ends rusted solid and gritty inside. On a super with struts it can be the idler arm bushing. Ray

[NextGen]

Ray actually one ball joint's rubber is missing - Thanks, into checking mode again.

Oh it is a standard.

[NextGen]

Ray actually one ball joint's rubber is missing - Thanks, into checking mode again.

Oh it is a standard.