Steering parts: Servo / non servo?

[Zollie]

Hi!

Some questions about the differences between servo and non-servo parts. Because I built in the servo from an Audi 80 B4.
It is working perfectly fine in my non-servo car, that's no problem.

I still have a set of servo-"Radaufhängung", together with a stabi. I trust this stabi more than the non-servo version. (Am I right?). Since I have a TDI built in and reach up to 200 on the GPS, I would like to build this one in
My front suspension is non-servo (are there differences?), I use the straight "führungsgelenk".

When I install the servo "Radaufhängung" and stabi, what do I need to change??

-Can I still use the straigt "führungsgelenken"? Or will they not fit?
-Why are the servo "führungsgelenken" bent? Is the suspension also different? Or is it adviseable to use these instead?
-Will the servo-"Radaufhängung" fit the subframe?

Hope someone knows the answers!

Thanks

[Manni]

Hi Zollie,
the diffrent parts are:
Querlenker and Traggelenke

The Traggelenke for servo are not straigt! They are diffrent on each side and have a bigger cone.
TheStabi for Servo is bigger/stronger and have other fixing points.
and the
Federbeine

The Servo Federbeine have bigger and eccentric openings.

Why VW do this? Its better for performance and steering radius.

I am not 100% sure but i think the Subframe will fit for both steerings.

Bye Manni

[Zollie]

Thanks!

So, I have no servo-federbeine...

Can I combine:
-servo: Querlenker, stabi
-non-servo: Federbeine, traggelenke

Will the Traggelenke fit the Querlenker? That's the big question!

[Manni]

Hi,
sorry i dont know that.

Gruß Manni

[WinfriedB]

Maybe it is possible to combine servo- and non-servo parts but I think the manufacturer had his reasons to use different parts... not sure how you will drive with such a Frankenstein steering but I think you better SHOULD be sure when assembling a steering and use the parts which are designed for it. The steering is a crucial part and VERY important for your driving safety (and the safety of others, too)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Zollie]

Maybe it is possible to combine servo- and non-servo parts but I think the manufacturer had his reasons to use different parts... not sure how you will drive with such a Frankenstein steering but I think you better SHOULD be sure when assembling a steering and use the parts which are designed for it. The steering is a crucial part and VERY important for your driving safety (and the safety of others, too)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The car is safe! Already did about 25000km with the TDI.

For making it safer I wish to install new rubbers, and replace the stabi with a servo-stabi. Therefore I need the servo-querlenkers.

Because I have nonservo-federbeine, I must figure out if the traggelenke will fit the querlenker.


The non-servo is safe, why should it not be? I am trying to make te car steadier on the road and safer for everybody!

[WinfriedB]

Good to hear that you obviously made your private tests under various speed, road, load and weather conditions just as the manufacturer does before releasing a design. As your plans show, car design can be that easy and does not need years of research.

Replacing a stabi does not always increase safety, for instance, in the 32b with 1300cm3 there is NO stabi provided by the manufacturer and he warns to install one. Ever heard of resonant frequencies of spring-loaded systems????

However, I would not like to meet a car with a home-brew steering system. Probably I will never meet your car so as far as I am concerned you may do whatever you think seems to clever.

[tyrannus]

You are aware of the fact that die "servo" suspension was not installed in any 32b until the facelift in 1984/85? So these parts with the straight "führungsgelenke" and the smaller stabilizer were bolted on cars even with hydraulic steering and 5-cylinder engines for years by vw so why should these become unsafe? I don't think that the TDI in Zollies car is heavier than a 5E.

The different parts "Federbein", "Traggelenk", "Querlenker" and "Stabi" have to be from the same type, either the earlier "non-servo" or the later "servo" model, otherwise it will not fit properly.

By the way: using german words when trying to type in english looks quite funny

[WinfriedB]

We are NOT discussing the safety of the non-servo Querlenker/Traggelenke/Stabi combo. I am driving this system for 22 years now and never felt unsafe.

However, the OP wants to mix non-servo parts with servo parts, and I have severe doubts whether this was ever authorized by the manufacturer. It's good to hear that you advise to change ALL relevant parts to servo steering parts.

[Zollie]

If I had servo 'federbeine' I would have used them, but they are hard/impossible to find in Holland.

I do not think that upgrading the setup that I have now (1981 servo), with a newer servo-stabi, will have bad influence on my handling or safety. As a mechanical engineer for military vehicles I know about resonance, but I do not think the use of another triangle and stabi will have any bad influence. The only problem I can see is the connection between the 'traggelenk' and 'querlenker', some flat pressure connection between two iron parts. But do the holes match, is the size of the connecting parts the same? If that is so, I can see no problem.

VW also never installed a TDI in a 32b, nor stiffer front dampers, nor adjustable rear dampers, nor a full inox exhaust, nor zebra-print on the ceiling. I am a total idiot for doing this, sorry humanity.