Worn Steering Column U-Joints-Where/How to Find New Parts

My steering wheel turns about 1/2" to 3/4" before the "u-jointed-arm" pictured (in close-up and at a distance) above  begins to turn in-sync with the steering wheel. It seems this IS the cause of some sloppiness I feel when driving in a straight line at speed.

Does anyone recognize from what make/year/model car my "u-jointed-arm" was sourced?

What is the best solution to improve this situation? Thanks in advance for any/all helpful information.

Doug

No, but Robert Ruskey at Intermeccanica could tell you what they use on the same set-up:

Robert Ruskey

email:  intermeccanica@telus.net

TEL 604-872-4747

He's in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Looks like 71-74 VW Super Beetle center shaft since it has only one clamp at either end.  (It is not from a 914 as they have c2 clamps per u-joint). I've not see steering U-joints go bad on steering.  Could it be loose on where it clamps to splines at either end (or spines worn)?  Did you check them for wear and tightness?

Steering Shaft, Super Beetle ’71-’74

Part #: 131415951B  $55.95

I would be hesitant to to pin point the U-joints, unless if you are watching the u-joints whilst turning the wheel and can see the slop.  I installed some u-joints a month or so ago, and I had to measure the splined ends and count the splines in order to get correct matches.

Got my steering diagnosed and supposedly improved (mechanic's description) drive 2 miles toward home, fuel pump died in heavy traffic on freeway. Luckily AAA membership was paid up and tow truck only 2 hours wait in 95 degree desert sunshine. SLO or bust !!!! Hat's off to Dan Lawson of Competition Engineering who diagnosed issue in his shop then later the new problem on the freeway 👍

IMDoug posted:

Got my steering diagnosed and supposedly improved (mechanic's description) drive 2 miles toward home, fuel pump died in heavy traffic on freeway. Luckily AAA membership was paid up and tow truck only 2 hours wait in 95 degree desert sunshine. SLO or bust !!!! Hat's off to Dan Lawson of Competition Engineering who diagnosed issue in his shop then later the new problem on the freeway 👍

D@mn it Doug. What have I told you about playing on the freeway? Now get that car running and get out here this weekend.

Hey Doug,

When will you get in LA from AZ? Where are you staying?

Thanks to everyone who weighed in to help

@Gordon I emailed Robert who confirmed this setup was not IM standard, even back in January 1978 according to this car's mfg sticker

@Wolfgang your's is a keen observation. The intermediate steering shaft image you posted sure looks like what's in my car

@Todd M you may be absolutely correct with your reservation. If this car ever runs again ;-) I'll post treat drive results and any further investigation

Thank you gentlemen !!!

Hey Eddie ! We're staying at Quality Inn of course. All we have to do is make it there in the Speedster ;-) Arriving to SLO the back way through Barstow, Friday afternoon I hope!

Robert, I called the State Troopers to warn them of the roadside debris this afternoon, but they didn't even show up. 

Hey Doug,

Are you going straight to SLO or caravanning from LA?

@Karyadi @IMDoug

Eddie, going through Barstow sounds like Doug going direct (via Hwy 40 instead of I-10 or I-8)  to SLO from Phoenix.

............. and first prize goes to: .................. Wolfgang !!!

Mechanic has now installed the "intermediate steering shaft" I sourced from "AutohausAZ" <here> and driving this Speedster is now a pleasure - what an improvement !

Thanks everyone !