Close ratio steering?

[lngbrd]

I've heard through various sources, not all creditable, that there was such an item. These were found specifically on the TURBO model. How do you Identify it, how were they better than the standard steering box. I assume they presented some advantage, what would that have been and would they be a plus to a straight up 02

Steven - 73 BRG

[Mike Self]

discussed on the board: difficult to find, no spare parts available to rebuild if either gear is worn, and increases steering effort.

Nice to have, though even if just for the WOW factor when another 02er opens your hood and sees that red-painted steering box.

mike

[BLUNT]

serial number ends in 177 and are most of the time red in color. as mike stated worm and roller gears are NLA so check for pitting and play if you find one. if the worm and roller gears are in good shape its a simple task to reseal it and costs about 40 bucks give or take for new seals. expect to pay 500 and up for a decent one

[c.d.iesel]

"Sport" steering gear box for sporting events,

not good for city parking, going to hair-cuts Saturday,

not good combined with small Dia. steering wheels,

and trendy fat tires. Increases steering effort when

combined with with above.

For fewer turns steering Lock to Lock which is

better for road course driving - less wheel turning

for a given turning radius. It's not 'close ratio'.

Close ratio refers to transmission gear ratios that are closer

to each other in ratios - less RPM drop between gears.

[lngbrd]

So I'm getting the impression that its not necessarily an asset, it could be the opposite.

I want to thank all who responded, information good, not knowing bad.

Steven

[Guest Anonymous]

Depends what you intend to use the car for. They are saying its not as good for tight turn city driving, but better for high speed stability.

Having a close ratio box is never a bad thing once you get used to it, like a lighter flywheel.

Less turns lock to lock does in fact mean close ratio like a trans that has gears cut to closer ratios. Less steering wheel movement for the same result compared to less difference in gear ratios to keep the engine revving in the powerband. Thats why its harder to turn with a smaller wheel.

[KFunk]

Less turns lock to lock does in fact mean close ratio like a trans that has gears cut to closer ratios. Less steering wheel movement for the same result compared to less difference in gear ratios to keep the engine revving in the powerband. Thats why its harder to turn with a smaller wheel.

I think you're misunderstanding the definition. In a transmission gearbox, you have multiple different ratios. A CR gearbox has ratios that are closer together, so its easier to stay in the powerband.

In a steering box, you only have one ratio. You can't say that it is 'close' in the same sense as a gearbox, since there's nothing to compare within the same box. The steering gear set just has a lower ratio than a standard steering box, which makes it turn quicker. The gears aren't 'closer' together somehow, it just that the worm gear has a steeper pitch, thus resulting in greater wheel movement per steering movement, at the expense of requiring greater force to move the wheel a specific distance.

[c.d.iesel]

part # 32.11.2.670.002 = left hand steering box ratio 15,5:1

standard for all cars

part # 32.11.2.670.005 = left hand steering opt.

"SPORT" box (painted red) ratio 12,8:1

Sonderausstattung (special edition)

and if you sit on the right side - box # 32.11.1.108.648

ratio 15,5:1 only - no "SPORT" for you!

NEW old stock from Germany 2020 EUROS !

[dp]

NEW old stock from Germany 2020 EUROS !

gee, thats not "the right" color is it? ;-)

[c.d.iesel]

......geee what color would you like it to be ?

[Guest Anonymous]

serial number ends in 177 and are most of the time red in color.

This is correct, but there were also two other serial numbers that came on earlier versions of the QR box. I can't for the life of me remember them exactly, but the numbers might have ended in "151" and "155." The alternate numbers might be in the archives somewhere... The two that I tore down were not painted red and had no evidence of having been painted, and they did both have the just over 3 turns lock-to-lock ratio.

[bobthomas]

Not to be a prick, but I believe the proper term is quick ratio. I knew that little bit,seems the previous posters know more about what really matters.

[lngbrd]

The serial number I have 7316 955 177, however there are two more sets of numbers 596291 and 0285. What do these numbers indicate?

Steven

[-=Charley]

ive never had a problem steering with my quick ratio but I guess that's only because ive never had anything else.