Tie rods and steering dampers for the Bus

The Perfect Steering Control – A New Tie Rod / Steering Damper for Your VW Bus T2

Precise steering guidance and control are the be-all and end-all for a safe and authentic driving experience in your classic – and should be in focus during every inspection. When you drive the legendary VW Bus T2, you feel every bump in the road and every curve directly through the steering wheel. Different components of the front axle can be used here – depending on the suspension type and your own demands on road handling. In addition to daily wear and tear from potholes, aging, and fatigue, a complete replacement of the steering components every few years is also worthwhile. Then nothing stands in the way of safe and track-true driving pleasure. We reveal why the topic of tie rod / steering damper should concern every classic car owner, what steps to observe during maintenance, and how to select the right parts.

Why is a tie rod / steering damper an important step in suspension care?

Precise steering and driving safety form the basis of daily driving – only when the steering works without play can subsequent wheel alignment take effect or the vehicle be kept safely on course. It is not enough to overlook worn joints with the naked eye. While superficial defects are not remedied in this way, play in the steering linkage, flutter at the steering wheel, or restless driving behavior stubbornly persist. For the latter, you should also rely on an intact tie rod / steering damper. These are checked for wear during regular maintenance.

When should I check my steering?

Regularly & before every major tour! During the inspection in the morning or before starting your vacation, typical signs of aging are checked: play in the joints, worn ball joints, or a fading damper. In addition, road disturbances, vibrations, and dangerous steering wheel flutter disappear if you rely on a fresh tie rod / steering damper in good time instead of jeopardizing driving safety.

How does replacement and maintenance work?

These four belong to the basic equipment for the change:

• The matching replacement part for your suspension assembly
• A set of suitable open-end wrenches and pullers
• Torque wrench for exact tightening values
• A fresh cotter pin to secure the castle nuts

For most work, a lift or a safe jack stand is recommended as a basis. Apply some MoS2 grease to the threads during assembly and tighten all fittings to the prescribed torque. After installing a new tie rod / steering damper, a professional wheel alignment is mandatory. Please note that you perform this work with the utmost care – otherwise the driving behavior will suffer massively and the tires will wear unevenly.

Which tie rod / steering damper suits me?

Actually, asking a counter-question is impolite. But in order to choose the right components in terms of suspension restoration, we want to know from you: Which application would you assign your T2 to? Do you drive the Bulli in everyday life, on long camping trips, or do you drive it sportily on country roads? Because for every driving style there is the matching tie rod / steering damper.

• Original version: Your Bulli copes with all standard steering components. Whether standard tie rod or classic damper: you have exact factory quality.
• Reinforced version: So that the steering does not become spongy even under heavy loads or large tires, you should rely on reinforced heavy-duty components. Paired with new rubber bushings, we say "Ade!" to imprecise driving behavior.
• Sporty tuning: For ambitious drivers, a firmer steering damper is recommended. This absorbs impacts even more directly and ensures sporty, tight feedback in the steering wheel.