1985 VW Scirocco Mk2 | Part 29 - Steering Column Bearings - Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

This video is Part 29 of a multi-part restoration series of my original 1985 VW Scirocco that sat idle for 15+ years (see Part 1 - The Backstory). In this video I replace the steering column bearings on my Mk2 Scirocco. HOWEVER, it was not as easy as I thought and I ran into a lot of issues.
Disclaimer: ParksandRec assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Information in this video is primarily intended as entertainment and not expert advice. Working on motor vehicles is potentially dangerous - Use this information at your own risk. ParksandRec recommends safe practices when working vehicles or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ParksandRec, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ParksandRec.

[@HealthFitnessMartialArtsDEng]

great video. Mahalo for taking your time filming your journey here and sharing. At 7:-00 removing and installing the leaf spring, I finally after all these decades figured out to easily remove and re-install the leaf spring! It's so super duper easy! I've always wondered why the lever rotates up and down. I started to notice how little tension there is on the leaf spring when that lever is raised up to it's highest position. Yet, we still couldn't get that leaf spring out. Well, I took a screwdriver and with simple twist, it popped out! No kidding! The reverse for re-installing. Put the lever back up to the highest position, reposition the spring back in place (it will lightly snap in), push the lever all the way back down. You can use channel locks to lock the lever back into place! I'll record my version of rebuilding the steering column and show how simple it is. Also, the steering column can be salvaged. The same way you removed the bushing you can do to lengthen the column again. Just place the smaller column rod in the vice, use channel locks against the flange of the larger diameter column rod, hammer it back to re-lengthen it and straighten back out the metal strip. Also, Mk1 Engineering doesn't seem to either make the lower bottom bearing anymore. We'll see if they ever get back to me for having any more in stock. That being said, went to Ebay and the bearing kit, although looks the same as Mk1's, isn't sized correctly. The bearing race is 1mm dia larger than the steering column tube. I got it from fastlane-a which is also the same seller as craftsman-part out of kentucky. I have yet to hear back from them for a refund or properly sized product. The other two sellers, ssapong and jessenorte-0 look to have the same part and all four of these sellers have virtually the same exact info their websites making me think they're the same seller even though the last two I mention are in different states and their stores have different products.

[@deliciouskhanakhazanavlog2305]

Very nice 👍

[@sinistarmr2]

I just bought a 16V with over 200k miles, and now I'm afraid to take a closer look at the steering column. 😟

[@ParksandRecYT]

I hear you. it can be done, but its really tricky as you saw.

[@russellrobson7632]

Blimey. Know the feeling well when you screw something up beyond return! Well recovered sir! 👍🇬🇧

[@ParksandRecYT]

I caught a lucky break on this one to be sure. Hopefully things will start to reassemble quickly.

[@WSMDSA]

Wow, that is a tonne of work but I know the feeling well when you struggle and overcome problems but succeed in the end! Great work and a really enjoyable video. What's next?

[@ParksandRecYT]

I am questioning myself if it was worth it. On the bright side, if it helps someone else to this repair and avoid the pitfalls, it was. Next is matrix back in and dash back on. Then its time to get the engine back together! And maybe a short video on a relatively quick job I did along the way.

[@markjones5815]

Thank you so much for doing this video ! Fantastic work.

[@ParksandRecYT]

Appreciate the kind comment!

[@alanstamper4345]

Good vid. I’m hoping to not need to do this on my 84. I noticed the bumpers in your car are faded. I have method for bringing them back. 1. Scrub with a worn green scotch bright using Formula 303 cleaner (I’ve also used 409). 2. Wipe it down with paper towels and continue to use the cleaner until the towels are clean. 3. Spray and clean again with Meguirs plastic and rubber cleaner. Look for any area that still have tint’s of grey. 3. Spray with the Meguirs and while it is still wet apply a coat of TLC (The Last Coat) Ceratrim (ceramic plastic coating). Your bumpers will be black again. It also holds up as I did a section last year as a test before doing the whole thing and it held up.

[@ParksandRecYT]

Thanks! I will try this when I get to that point. Appreciate the comment! If you do have to replace the lower bearing its a relatively easy job - just don't touch the bushing unless really necessary.

[@alanstamper4345]

I need to get in a look at that lower bearing on mine. I now have all the bolt on exterior parts of my car put back together (after paint) my next step is replacing the headliner. I still have the windows out so now is the time to do it. I have the material. i just need to get onto doing it.

[@jamestom3371]

I have the same red 1985 Rocco. The same thing happened to me when I replaced the steering bearing purchased from the same folks. I also broke the spring steering clip taking it out. Anyways, the collapse part went in similar to yours while tapping in the bearing. I was able to attach the end of the shaft on a bench vise and with a piece of wood and a sledge hammer, I pushed the shaft back out to its original position. It was a PITA job. Good luck

[@ParksandRecYT]

Wow - Thanks for the comment. I suspected I must not have been the only one to have done this. Interesting to note that you were able to pull the shaft back out - that just seemed a bigger mess than I was willing to take on. Wondering how easy you were able to get the lock housing over the bushing? This car has been one helluva journey so far.

[@jamestom3371]

@@ParksandRecYT Just put the end on the vice and vice grip on the shaft end and tap the shaft back out enough to strengthen the bent metal. I threw out the steering column bearing plastic and left my old one. The original one is yellow like yours but still intact. I supposed I could grind down aftermarket one if necessary but it was too much work. Took nearly 4hrs to do the job as I fighting to take out the steering shaft spring clip and finally just broke it off. There was no clear video at that time. Keep up the good videos. Btw, I have 252k on mine.

[@jackenrod6794]

Oli is a legend.

[@scottkerns2253]

Love your channel and your project. Every time you turn that wheel you will smile knowing you did it right. And, I 100% agree about the black end cap on your ignition cylinder. If you compromised your be pissed every time you see it - which is every time you drive. Like a zoom effect in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Can't wait for the episode when you unbox the rebuilt fuel distributor. I'm probably going to send them my distributor and WUR too (Volvo not VW) Press on regardless.

[@ParksandRecYT]

Appreciate the comments! The fuel distributor is about to be unleashed...

[@sc230mb]

Can you provide links to your parts suppliers?

[@ParksandRecYT]

Will do

[@ParksandRecYT]

The main places I've used are: AutohausAZ, RockAuto, PartsPlaceInc and ebay. Others are Techtonics Tuning and Heritage Parts Centre.

[@sc230mb]

@@ParksandRecYT Was just watching control arm replacement when you replied. Thanks. Just drove my 85 on a thousand mile trip this week. No issues and it was a time machine. Lots of comments and thumbs up. Keep up the terrific and humorous videos!

[@ParksandRecYT]

@@sc230mb Thanks! I'm jealous - its just one thing after another with this build combined with a lack of time to work. Slowly but surely. Take care and enjoy your ride.