Dropped Spindles? CHECK YOUR BEAM FIRST!

[acpaterson]

Anyone perhaps have a kit already in the Country they aren't using?

I believe I need to buy a dripped spindle kit and disc kit to fix the shitty suspension setup on my Speedster. Anyone got before I place an International order?

thanks

Alan

[Muderick]

What are the problems you having Alan... as dropped spindles and disks are not alone gonna solve a shitty suspension. Also what setup do u have. ..King n link pins and drums or ball joints n disks etc etc

Tell us more squire

Muds

[acpaterson]

Muds, I dunno enough about it. According to some wise people, the PO has tightened up the front completely, the the point where the existing spindles, which should be in a downward angle, are in an upward position, thus, there's VERY LITTLE front end spring at all.
There is adjustable tubes, but the only way I can get the correct ride height, WITH spring in the front is with the dropped Spindles.So, for now, my front end suspension consists of 1.3 Bar air pressure basically.

I want "some" level of suspension\spring in the car, and as it currently stands, it's almost non-existent. I believe I have King and Link Pins, as they were the first things I replaced when I got the car.

So, need to get lowered spindles in order to turn out some of this spring that's all been tightened up.

[Dawie]

Remember that 1.3 bar rating was for steel-bodied standard wheelbase beetle running 155 width standard profile tyres. While still allowing for additional weight...(luggage in front, and passengers).

If your front tyres are wider than this, pressure has to still come down to be back to same original "pressure per footprint area".
Having lower then standard weight on front wheels, pressure has to come down still further to compensate. Remember we are talking relative pressure to "weight per square surface area" on the ground.

Porsche used to have an optional "comfort pack" available. This consisted of 14" Fuchs rims and standard "high profile tyres", which had same overall diameter as the large-rim low profile tyres these replaced.

Some replacement front shock absorbers are incorrect type and waaay too hard for even a light front beetle application. They will cause the front suspension of your light speedster to appear solid.

As a test, remove the front shocks and go for a short test drive. Remember to also check that your linkpins are adjusted properly and not over-tightened.

[acpaterson]

Thanks Dawie,

I had stock vw beetle shocks replaced when I had just got the car, but they haven't really helped much, so for now I run the low tyre pressure. I think the garage said they were the "softest" available.. Maybe there are others I can source. So will look into this a bit more.

[vwpumagt]

I had a similar problem. When i sat on the fender and tried to bounce the car it was almost rock solid. Someone on the forum pointed to my king and link pins. I slacked them off and greased them properly and reset them and it helped a lot.

[retrovan]

Have a look at your beam, you may find that the PO never greased the nipples.

You should clean each nipple and pump grease into each one till it comes out clean at the joints, then ride the car on a bumpy road, to loosen it, and then feel it again, you will be very surprised to find it now working the way it should.

Herman

[acpaterson]

Guys thanks for this,
I've decided to look into this myself.. First job done, grease up the nipples. Took a bit before the grease oozed out the sides, but thats done. Next step is to loosen the King and Link Pins and grease, then tighten up again, but not AS tight as before. Final step will be to look at adjusting the beams, as mine has adjusters fitted. So we'll see how this works. For now, no dropped spindles required.

Thanks guys.

[acpaterson]

Just a quick update.
This is a REALLY good tip from Retrovan, and will probably be a good item to check for anyone buying an old car, be it a Bus, Beetle, Buggy etc.. Just by re-greasing the Beam properly with a grease gun, my car's front end has some 'bounce back in it, and the suspension's working a lot better. Thanks for the TOP tip Retrovan.

Alan

[retrovan]

You more then welcome, here to help.

Enjoy your sweet drive.

Herman

[Muderick]

Glad your lube job worked Alan... its the most cost effective thing to do suspension wise.