73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

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73Volksie
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What model do you have?: 1973 1300 Beetle
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73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by 73Volksie »

hi All, just acquired a 73 model 1300 ( South African Spec)

Issue 1: Pulls very hard to the right when braking.
Issue 2: Left front wheel ( standard tyre and rim) rubs on rear inside of front fender at full lock
Issue3: Vertical play on left front wheel when jacked up.

I pulled the front drums so see whets cooking.
1.left front brake piston boot torn
2.Left front bearing seal torn
3.Right front drum wouldn't come off but did eventually
4.Inner bearing stayed behind on spindles/ stub axle shaft and I cannot get them off.
5.Previous "Mechanic" beat the left stub axle shaft to oblivion seemingly to get bearing off so its got dings in it


I would have to replace the axle stub, and bearings and brake piston on left side.
Should I do the kings and the link pins for good measure?
Who would you recommend to do the king pins in PTA?
Where can i get a new axle stub?


I hope my approach to solve the three issues above is correct, and if you can provide any additional advice i will be most grateful.Ive been swinging spanners for a while now on Jeep, not experienced with the Volksies.


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fig
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by fig »

Welcome to ACVWSA. The forums are a bit quiet these days, but you have come to the right place for advice.

It's not entirely unheard of for a front wheel to rub the inner fender on full lock, so it's not necessarily the sign of a problem, although you may want to check that the steering arm is centred relative to the tie rods.

It does sound like you need to replace the spindles (stub axles). This will be quite pricey, so you may want to try to dress the damage with a file before giving up on your existing spindles. It's not uncommon for the inner race to stay behind on the axle when you pull the drum. It should come off easily with an appropriate puller. If it is properly stuck (could be welded to the axle from overheating of dry bearings), then you can carefully cut it off with a cutting disc and cold chisel and dress any burring with a file.

If you are going to replace the spindles, then you definitely should do the king and linkpins at the same time. Otherwise, only replace them if there is excessive play on the K&L pins.

I would replace the front wheel bearings and do a complete brake overhaul regardless.

This should include:
Refaced brake shoes, radiused to the drum (which should be skimmed only if badly scored or out of round)
Replace all wheel cylinders with quality new parts (ie, Brazilian Varga, NOT Chinese cheapos)
Replace all flexible hoses with new ones, which you can have made up at any brake shop
Replace master cylinder

You can have brake cylinders resleeved and resealed, but quality new parts are available and relatively cheap, so not much point in resleeving.

Good luck!
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Tony Z
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by Tony Z »

fig has given you some very good advice. Work through it and you'll be doing well and back on the road again.
If you go out and buy bearing kits for the front, ask if they have SKF kits. The cheap autoquip parts will do the job, but I dont trust them a a long term solution - the whole kit (2x bearings and seals) costs about the same as a single SKF or FAG bearing from bearingman - its just too cheap to be of any decent quality. My opinion anyway.
73Volksie
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by 73Volksie »

thanks for the sound advice have a look at this spindle and advise if i can still use it?

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Tony Z
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by Tony Z »

I think your previous mechanic should replace the stub axle himself.
I wouldnt be happy to use that one...
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by fourier »

Tony Z wrote: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:57 pm I think your previous mechanic should replace the stub axle himself.
I wouldnt be happy to use that one...
Mechanic? More like blacksmith! :shock:

Just replace the stub axle with a decent one.
(o= i =o) (o\ ! /o)
73Volksie
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by 73Volksie »

to think how easily the bearing slipped off when i used the puller...

let me know where i could source a new one or used in PTA area?
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Tony Z
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by Tony Z »

73Volksie wrote: Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:04 pm to think how easily the bearing slipped off when i used the puller...
Thats called "using the right tool for the job"
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by fig »

fourier wrote: Thu Apr 19, 2018 7:43 pm
Tony Z wrote: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:57 pm I think your previous mechanic should replace the stub axle himself.
I wouldnt be happy to use that one...
Mechanic? More like blacksmith! :shock:

Just replace the stub axle with a decent one.
It looks like the bearing seized some time in the past and the inner race turned on the shaft and someone cut it off without taking proper care. Agreed, that stub axle is scrap.
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73Volksie
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What model do you have?: 1973 1300 Beetle
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Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by 73Volksie »

I just need advice on who can do the Kingpins for me in Pretoria? will be grateful ( I have all the parts new) except a used stub axle
73Volksie
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Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2018 5:57 pm
What model do you have?: 1973 1300 Beetle
Location: Pretoria

Re: 73 Model advice needed (new to Beetles)

Post by 73Volksie »

I found someone that can help. I went to their premises today, to drop the stub axles with new a link and king pin set.
I was pleasantly greeted by all employees and the owner. Who was kind enough to give me some tips on how to shim the link pins.

for other Pretorians that needs help with their aircooled VWs https://www.facebook.com/jrkbeetles/

JRK Beetles 084 580 5483
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