Rear wheels issue

Old IRS Beetles with many miles show this. If there's no sign of severe accident damage, then the spring plate/torsion bars have to be reset.

On the bearings, see the how-to article in the Mech section of my web site.

Speedy Jim

Thanks Jim. That was the direction I was thinking. Do you have an article that shows reference to rear spring plate/torsion bars. I'm getting an occasional "clunk clunk clunk" when making a sharp turn but goes away in few seconds when driving straight. I'm sure it has to do also with your diagnosis.

Narley Dude®

Hmmmmmmmm The bearings don't usually "clunk, clunk", though I wouldn't totally rule it out. And the noise wouldn't be from the camber situation either.

It's a lot of work just to change bearings so I'd want to be fairly certain. You might get some idea of the condition by jacking the rear wheels off the ground (jack stands) and running it in gear. Use a stethoscope (aka screwdriver) to listen at the bearing housings. A bad bearing will "rumble".

Sorry, I don't have an article about setting torsion bars. I bet someone else on here does...

Speedy Jim

..............CV joints?

I was told the very same thing Tim. I guess I won't find out until I tear into it.

Narley Dude®

I should have added that the bushings which support the trailing arms are top suspects in camber problems. Jim

Well I recently had the same problem on my '69 Bug. I replaced the rear wheel bearings on both sides, as well as all 4 spring plate bushings (also reset my spring plates). This brought my ride back up, but my wheels stayed at a slight angle (outwards...they were really bad, now not so noticeable). I wish that I had gone ahead and pulled the trailing arms while I had it apart so I could have the trailing arm bushings replaced. This probably would have fixed all of the wheel angle.

The clunky noise is very likely either you CV joints, or if your trailing arm bushings are totally shot, then the trailing arm will knock around a bit making said noise over bumps. If you have it all torn apart doing the bushings and bearings, you may as well at re-do your CVs (I know, the more you do, the more $$$ it costs).

Good luck!

Dane Tyler '69 Bug '63 Bug

Narley Dude® wrote:

Oooh, re-read your post and saw "sharp turn" and noise.....99% chance your CV's are worn...

Dane Tyler wrote:

Yeah I agree with you. It would be foolish to tear it all down to skimp out of a few parts to save a few bucks at first, to later then having to tear the 'mother' back apar and replace the items I didn't. I'm pricing:

(4) CV joint kits iinner/outer pair torsion bars w/bushings trailing arm bushings wheels bearings might as well replace brake pads and turn the drums

I may have to car pool with my wife for a bit... but it will be worth it.

Narley Dude®