Excessive Steering Play and Coil-Over Rear Shocks

My newly purchased 2002 Beck has far too much steering play, about 2 inches or so.
Any suggestions regarding how to tighten up and generally how to improve steering.
Also, any comments re coil-over rear shocks will be appreciated. I do not have them now.

J. Henderson

Check the steering coupler and the mount on the axle in the front. Take the driver's side wheel off and look inside (or take the gas tank out). There's a linkage between the steering shaft and the steering box. It's called a coupler. Mine had nearly ripped apart so I replaced it and things are much better. Also while you're in there check to see that the steering box isn't loose and tighten the bolts up against the axle.

You can also just see if the bolts on the coupler are loose and tighten them.

Hola Bert,
Many thanks for your advice. Will do that straight away!
Really appreciate it!!!!!!!!! JH

While you are under there, the steering box has an adjustment screw with locknut on the bottom - at least mine does. This is probably the last thing to check.

Make sure you are properly aligned and all steering joints are tightened up.

Mike

Yes, good point Mike. When I changed my coupler it turned out that the steering box was off, so I loosened the bolts, shifted it so that the wheel turned smoothly and tightened them back down.

Tuly grateful for your sage advice to this "newbie"
So far, the machine is super except for the real sloppy steering.
Will be registering her in a few days....am sure it will be a comedy
at the DMV!!! JH

Good luck on the registration. Make sure you've given yourself a little extra time. Good chance (100%) the first and second person won't know what to do.

Muchas Gracias Amigos for your collective advice. Will report the comedy at DMV in a few days!! JH

Yes, it was a true comedy. First there weren't enough numbers(17) in the VIN to qualify for registration. Then,,what is it??? A VW,a custom, a kitcar, a Beck???? The previous PA title was simply a "2002 Custom". An exam of the car proved that the short VIN was indeed authentic. Fortunately, the DMV was not too busy at that moment when I walked in,,,,so that, no doubt, soothed tempers.
Oh yes,,it is now registered as a 2002 Volk, model Beck!!!
What the hell, it worked!!(same problem arose for insurance coverage)

Nice. One thing you can always count on, it'll get registered differently that every other one.

For a VW pan not using the torsion bar rear suspension, I favor motorcycle shock absorbers as sold by Progressive Suspension or Works Performance. My RSK-718 uses 13.5" units with the heaviest springs available from the maker. remember, these are motorcycle shocks so the springs are not very heavy. I am finding the rear of my car is a bit too tall so I will go to 12" or even 11.5" shocks. It took me a bit of trial and error but the springs are right on.

ralph glorioso
Ryan RSK-718 Spyder