Paul & Sabrina's Cheap EV Conversion

[Tango Charlie]

C-A-M-P-A-I-G-N

The video idea is genius. Then the VW aficionados can render wise determinations.
From your description, it sounds to me like a tie rod end, which is part of the steering system.

[metroschultz]

Originally Posted by MPaulHolmes

I don't really know the parts I need. I do know that when I move the wheel (off the ground) at 9 and 3, there's an inch of play that happens at a rubber joint thing. It's pretty close to the wheel. There's a metal bar from the wheel to the rubber joint thing. Next, I probably should buy a new steering damper (I think it's called that). Basically, I have no idea what's wrong, and I just want it to not shake violently at 35 mph.

Lead me to believe you are describing an
Outer Tie Rod End
It is easy to replace. (and you already have a repair manual)
You will need to get a front end alignment after you replace it.
With all you have accomplished so far this will be a cake walk for you.
S.

[metromizer]

VW guy here:

There's are a few things it could be, and they are mostly easy to fix, and cheap, too. I would not suspect the steering damper to be the problem, however.

Here's how I diagnose VW front suspensions with lots of play in them:

1) Get the car up on j-stands.
2) While laying under the car on your back, have someone else grab the offending tire at the 9-3 position and slowly move it, such that the steering wheel moves left then right then left.
3) Observe.
4) if you can't see anything, try resting the tire on ramps instead of jack stands, while you are under the car have someone turn the steering wheel 90 left and 90 degrees right.

The outer tie rod end is a possible culprit, but I'd look at the pitman arm where it attaches to the steering box, they often loosen up. The steering coupler needs to be checked, same with the steering box itself. Ocasionally the trailing arm attachment (grub screws) loosen, and the entire trailing arm wobbles.

Contact the guys at Wolfsburg International (Steve Phillips, Redding, CA) for all your front end parts. The last time I checked, they had an exchange program for new ball joints pressed into core trailing arms

Good luck

[MPaulHolmes]

Thanks for the suggestions metromizer. I'll order from the guys you suggested. Man, I've been really busy! I've been working at the local community college, and a teacher had a heart attack, and I took all his classes too! aaahhh! He'll be better soon though. Then I'll fix that dang front end.

[toyobug]

what do you teach?

[MPaulHolmes]

I teach math. Weenie basic Algebra and intermediate algebra. After teaching basic algebra once, I feel like it shouldn't be taught any more, because it feels like the universe should understand it now. But teaching it over and over again is sort of messed up.

x + 1 = 3

subtract 1 on both sides

x + 1 = 3

subtract 1, oh forget it.

aaaahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh the humanity. I think my brain is going to shrivel up and die.

Maybe I'll get a video of the underside of the car this weekend. I like the summer better, where there is no work. oh well.

Way better than substituting though.

[metromizer]

Originally Posted by MPaulHolmes

I teach math. Weenie basic Algebra and intermediate algebra. After teaching basic algebra once, I feel like it shouldn't be taught any more, because it feels like the universe should understand it now. But teaching it over and over again is sort of messed up.

x + 1 = 3

subtract 1 on both sides

x + 1 = 3

subtract 1, oh forget it.

aaaahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh the humanity. I think my brain is going to shrivel up and die.

my VW racing daughter is retaking intermediate algebra at the community college for the second time! I'm going to show her this thread, just to bust her chops a little

[dremd]

Originally Posted by metromizer

my VW racing daughter is retaking intermediate algebra at the community college for the second time! I'm going to show her this thread, just to bust her chops a little

A vw racing daughter?
Is she single?
I'd be happy to help with algebra:-)

[dremd]

Doubble post

[Tango Charlie]

How often do you drive the car, Paul? Is it your daily driver now, or just a special-trip-to-the-store-for-ice-cream-mobile?