Steering Shaft Universal Advice

free4u2nv · 03-15-2005

Rack and pinion area:
I have sanded, painted and added l new rubbers onto my rack housing. All looks good ( and safe) except for the lower universal joint which my steering mast fits into. Can this universal be purchased new and replaced or are we restricted to the old used ones existing in the world?

kwilford · 03-16-2005

Moderator's Note: How many times do I have to say "post technical threads in the Technical Forum, NOT in the GT Forum!". Moved to the correct forum. Come on people, it's really pretty simple...

DaveJ · 03-16-2005

I think it is rather unlikely that you can still get the U/J but at Daytona Street and Performance , they have good quality uprated U/Js of just about every configuration. They are listed on the Universal Joints Page

Thanks to Paulmanta on the forums of the UK Opel Manta Owners Club UK Opel Manta Owners Club , for the above link.

The one that fits the Opel Manta B (1975-1987) is FR1716DD, but this may not be the correct one for a GT or Manta A.

I am about to order two myself.

RallyBob · 03-16-2005

Originally Posted by DaveJ

The one that fits the Opel Manta B (1975-1987) is FR1716DD, but this may not be the correct one for a GT or Manta A.

Dave, the issue with the GT is the universal joint yoke is integral with the steering pinion. Forged from one piece of metal! I last got some of them in 1992 or so from Germany, but to my knowledge they are discontinued now. They also cost $128 or so back then...who knows what they'd cost now?

An alternative solution (albeit not simple) is to machine the original universal joint yoke off the pinion, and then add (via welding, pinning, or splining) an aftermarket universal joint (about $50 for a very good one).

HTH, but probably not....

Bob

GTJIM · 03-17-2005

Originally Posted by RallyBob

Dave, the issue with the GT is the universal joint yoke is integral with the steering pinion. Forged from one piece of metal! I last got some of them in 1992 or so from Germany, but to my knowledge they are discontinued now. They also cost $128 or so back then...who knows what they'd cost now?Bob

Just like Opel - they make a specialised part and then stop supplying it after a very few years - no faith in the longevity of their best car!

DaveJ · 03-17-2005

My thoughts exactly! :o

RallyBob · 03-17-2005

Just an FYI, these folks practically invented the aftermarket universal joint for motorsports use in the US. Just 15 minutes down the road from me!
http://www.borgeson.com/

Bob

03-15-2005	#1 (permalink)
free4u2nv self admitted opel addict Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: mt.vernon,il. Posts: 220 Real Name: Michelle	Unanswered: Need lower universal advice Rack and pinion area: I have sanded, painted and added l new rubbers onto my rack housing. All looks good ( and safe) except for the lower universal joint which my steering mast fits into. Can this universal be purchased new and replaced or are we restricted to the old used ones existing in the world? __________________ free4u2nv My Opel doesn't just turn heads...it breaks necks!!

03-16-2005	#2 (permalink)
kwilford Über OpelGT.com Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,087 Real Name: Keith Wilford Provided Answers: 4	Moderator's Note: How many times do I have to say "post technical threads in the Technical Forum, NOT in the GT Forum!". Moved to the correct forum. Come on people, it's really pretty simple... __________________ Keith Wilford working on my '71 GT and '75 SportWagon

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-16-2005	#3 (permalink)
DaveJ Opeler Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: UK Posts: 27	I think it is rather unlikely that you can still get the U/J but at Daytona Street and Performance , they have good quality uprated U/Js of just about every configuration. They are listed on the Universal Joints Page Thanks to Paulmanta on the forums of the UK Opel Manta Owners Club UK Opel Manta Owners Club , for the above link. The one that fits the Opel Manta B (1975-1987) is FR1716DD, but this may not be the correct one for a GT or Manta A. I am about to order two myself.

03-17-2005	#6 (permalink)
DaveJ Opeler Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: UK Posts: 27	My thoughts exactly! :o

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)