Scott,

The V-box on my 83 definitely benefited from a new replacement I got
from Ken Wilford. It was the last or one of the last he had, for about
$125. This is OEM new. The dealer wanted--get this--over $900 for the
same part.

Anyway, it's been a couple of years ago and my memory is hazy on the
subject but I recall some reason why you can't just turn the gears
"off" the flat spot and install the box. Seems that the channel for
the clamping bolt makes you align the steering shafts with the gears
only one way. It might be possible to get around, but would probably
require grinding a new channel for the bolt. Hardly worth it if you
can get hold of a good used one.

Jim

On Tue, Oct 13, 2009 at 8:53 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans
<scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> that's great thinking on gear wear �in that little box - and 'rotating'
> gears there to spread wear out evenly.
> I call that part the 'V steering box' .
> I have never ever seen one worn - in hundreds of vansagons worked on, and
> dozens of them owned.
> I have read about someone needing to replace one though.
> I have 'em if anyone needs one.
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Arthur,Dave" <Dave.Arthur@NSCC.CA>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 5:50 PM
> Subject: Relay Steering Gear
>
>
> I have an '86 Westy with power steering.
>
> The relay steering gear (251 419 025) connects between the Steering
> shaft and rack.
>
> How subject to wear is this unit? Would it be useful to disconnect the
> unit from the rack and steering shaft and reconnect it 180 degrees
> offset?
>
> My thought is most of the wear on the internal gearing would be in the
> straight ahead position, placing it 180 degrees out would place the
> center position on relatively unworn gear teeth...
>
>
> Any ideas? Is this a non-problem?
>
> D
>