Rear suspension adjust
- Loopy
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Rear suspension adjust
I have been dithering for quite a while about the rear suspension of my beach buggy, as it did not "feel" right, and the stance of the buggy was a bit lopsided. So after reading up on the subject, and watching a couple of Youtube videos, I decided to do the right thing, and get things level.
Bought a set of bushes at FFR, and a pair of powdercoated spring plates, thinking that it might be a good idea to put them on while everything was in pieces. I was a bit hesitant to do this on my own, so asked HR for assistance, which he graciously agreed to. So the idea is to do this on Saturday morning, but being pro-active, I thought I could save some time by getting things started tonight (Friday).
So the buggy is in the garage, secure on axle stands, and everything starts coming off quite easily.
Most of the bolts need to be cleaned on a wirebrush, due to rubberising coating and gunk, but that will be done tomorrow.
The main issue that I had with the suspension, was that it always felt softer on the one side (left) than on the other. I started on the left hand side, and used a trolley jack to lift the spring plate over the stop. To be honest, I was sh1tscared that the springplate was going to come flying off, luckily nothing of the sort happened. With the springplate (and me...) now in a relaxed state, I measured the angle, and got +/- 10 degrees.
Started stripping the right hand side, this time the springplate needed a bit more persuasion to clear the stop. Measuring the angle, I got +/- 22 degrees!
No wonder the ride was a bit wonkey, and the stance a bit skew! Funny thing is, I've had the buggy's rear suspension set by two places over the last two years, amongst other things that needed to be done as well. Just makes me wonder what else was also so accurately and expertly "fixed"....
So tomorrow will be the re-assembly and adjusting phase, will update then.
Bought a set of bushes at FFR, and a pair of powdercoated spring plates, thinking that it might be a good idea to put them on while everything was in pieces. I was a bit hesitant to do this on my own, so asked HR for assistance, which he graciously agreed to. So the idea is to do this on Saturday morning, but being pro-active, I thought I could save some time by getting things started tonight (Friday).
So the buggy is in the garage, secure on axle stands, and everything starts coming off quite easily.
Most of the bolts need to be cleaned on a wirebrush, due to rubberising coating and gunk, but that will be done tomorrow.
The main issue that I had with the suspension, was that it always felt softer on the one side (left) than on the other. I started on the left hand side, and used a trolley jack to lift the spring plate over the stop. To be honest, I was sh1tscared that the springplate was going to come flying off, luckily nothing of the sort happened. With the springplate (and me...) now in a relaxed state, I measured the angle, and got +/- 10 degrees.
Started stripping the right hand side, this time the springplate needed a bit more persuasion to clear the stop. Measuring the angle, I got +/- 22 degrees!
No wonder the ride was a bit wonkey, and the stance a bit skew! Funny thing is, I've had the buggy's rear suspension set by two places over the last two years, amongst other things that needed to be done as well. Just makes me wonder what else was also so accurately and expertly "fixed"....
So tomorrow will be the re-assembly and adjusting phase, will update then.
"What I would suggest is that you draw up a project plan and then prioritise the things you NEED to do linked to the budget you have." by Vader
Truer words have never been spoken...
Truer words have never been spoken...
- Tony Z
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
nice one!
Looks like you are finally making some progress....
I am still waiting for my update
Looks like you are finally making some progress....
I am still waiting for my update
ANGRRR
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- hitlers revenge
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
Just back from Loopy's garage with spring plates replaced and in position.
Although I am only 99.5% happy. Really struggled with the urethane bushes.
See my post in Advice.
We really struggled to get the spring plates back onto the foot rests again.
Although I am only 99.5% happy. Really struggled with the urethane bushes.
See my post in Advice.
We really struggled to get the spring plates back onto the foot rests again.
Why do we celebrate the guy that invented the wheel??
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
- retrovan
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
Great you got it in.
What I have found, with rubber as well as urethane bushes, is to use a heavy dose of baby powder on the bushes, some guys use grease or oil, but I do not beleive in using grease or oil on rubber or spring blades.
It help to slide into place, and then it dissipates.
Herman
What I have found, with rubber as well as urethane bushes, is to use a heavy dose of baby powder on the bushes, some guys use grease or oil, but I do not beleive in using grease or oil on rubber or spring blades.
It help to slide into place, and then it dissipates.
Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
- Loopy
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
The spring plate angle at the moment is about 21*, and it seems as if it might a bit too much, stock being around 17*. Wheels have a lot of positive camber at the moment.
We had to play around with the settings on the one side to get both to the same angle, now it seems that I might have to lower both sides by one spline on the outside, which will bring it to about 13*, hopefully.
I found the following on the Meyers Manx site about the urethane bushings: "Be sure to sand the spline housing smooth before replacing the bushings. You may need to grind a little off the corners of the nylon bushings to get them to fit into their housings."
We had to play around with the settings on the one side to get both to the same angle, now it seems that I might have to lower both sides by one spline on the outside, which will bring it to about 13*, hopefully.
I found the following on the Meyers Manx site about the urethane bushings: "Be sure to sand the spline housing smooth before replacing the bushings. You may need to grind a little off the corners of the nylon bushings to get them to fit into their housings."
"What I would suggest is that you draw up a project plan and then prioritise the things you NEED to do linked to the budget you have." by Vader
Truer words have never been spoken...
Truer words have never been spoken...
- Tony Z
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
Here you go Robert. Hopefully this will help
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ANGRRR
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vader wrote: The Force is strong with you young Sith Lord Z!
- Loopy
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
Thanks!
Saved and printed.
Saved and printed.
"What I would suggest is that you draw up a project plan and then prioritise the things you NEED to do linked to the budget you have." by Vader
Truer words have never been spoken...
Truer words have never been spoken...
- Tony Z
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
I suppose it would have helped you more if I remembered it a few weeks ago...
ANGRRR
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vader wrote: The Force is strong with you young Sith Lord Z!
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
My mind is now turning about this...
This is 20 degrees to what???
By the way I spoke to Beamish Buggys and they say the never change the angle of the spring plates when converting a beetle to a buggy.
Why do we celebrate the guy that invented the wheel??
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
OK so the job is done.
I was happy. I cannot tell about Loopy as his facial expression never changes whether he's or
He seemed happy. We also called in some expert advice to assist with the spring plates. Now they are both set at 16 degrees and the buggy is level.
I was happy. I cannot tell about Loopy as his facial expression never changes whether he's or
He seemed happy. We also called in some expert advice to assist with the spring plates. Now they are both set at 16 degrees and the buggy is level.
Why do we celebrate the guy that invented the wheel??
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
- Tony Z
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
congratulations!
I am sure he is happy, hopefully he will now start driving the buggy.
I am sure he is happy, hopefully he will now start driving the buggy.
ANGRRR
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vader wrote: The Force is strong with you young Sith Lord Z!
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
Tony, he drove it twice today since doing the motor and his facial expression did change then
In fact he seemed over the moon with the power output.
In fact he seemed over the moon with the power output.
Why do we celebrate the guy that invented the wheel??
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
Surely we must celebrate the guy tat invented the other three
- Tony Z
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
glad to hear it!
ANGRRR
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- Loopy
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
Seems I should have been a poker player....
Tony, the motor nearly blew my mind! Felt as if the buggy wanted to do a wheely in first gear, and it wasn't as if I was trying... Taking it for a longer drive tomorrow, but very happy with it!
Tony, the motor nearly blew my mind! Felt as if the buggy wanted to do a wheely in first gear, and it wasn't as if I was trying... Taking it for a longer drive tomorrow, but very happy with it!
"What I would suggest is that you draw up a project plan and then prioritise the things you NEED to do linked to the budget you have." by Vader
Truer words have never been spoken...
Truer words have never been spoken...
- Tony Z
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Re: Rear suspension adjust
Now that sounds like a happy customerLoopy wrote: Tony, the motor nearly blew my mind! Felt as if the buggy wanted to do a wheely in first gear, and it wasn't as if I was trying... Taking it for a longer drive tomorrow, but very happy with it!
Glad to help
ANGRRR
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vader wrote: The Force is strong with you young Sith Lord Z!