DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Has anybody ever had an issue with one of these being slack? As in the coupler halves to each other, not the clamp bolts to the column sections. I had a tapping noise through the steering before I rebuilt it. Having installed new A arms, ball joints, tie rods with ends, etc I was hoping it would solve the noise, but it's still there when I rock the steering wheel left and right.

It appears to be from the UJ under the cover in the front compartment, but it's not possible to tell 100%. I'd rather be sure before splashing out >£200 on a new one. If it's one of those parts that never seem to fail I'll wait until the car is back on the road to diagnose it, but whilst I have the car on stands it'd be an easier job to tackle right now.

It looks like I should be able to wiggle it out by undoing the rack from the crossmember without removing the rack from the car and splitting the track rod ends again.

I had a similar problem on my 912 a few years back that was diagnosed by a specialist as a faulty U/J.

I bought a replacement used one only to find it was the pinch bolt in the U/J was loose.

Before getting a replacement, I would suggest checking the pinch bolts first, otherwise remove the U/J ( it can be wiggled out usually ) and then see if you can feel any wear and slack when you have it in your hand.

I have a spare one for a '66 car but I think the later ones are different in them having or not having splines ( but I could be wrong - usually am ).

Thanks. I intend to slack the pinch bolts a little and run the rack stop to stop a few times on the ground, make sure everything is settled.