Aircooled VW South Africa

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I think I'm addicted to the wire brush - cleaned the IRS bolt and washers last night, as well as one of the torsion tube covers, after they both spent a few days in the caustic soda to get rid of all the chassis black and stonechip. Red urethane bushes are from the set I got from Merlin, they have been for sale on this Forum...well, kinda like - forever!

I also love the wire brush. One of the best tools to use to remove old dirt, hardened grease, body filler etc etc.

Pine wrote:Have you got good news for me? (In that case shouting is OK )

both drums have type 3 part numbers,slave cylinders fairly new and shoes about 70 - 80 % life on them

Just been throught the whole IRS with my 181. I had to fit the urethane bushes like the above as I could not find the original rubber ones. What I found was that the inner diameter of this new product was about 1mm larger that the original bushes and had new bushes made.

Question?> Where do the 2 washers go. Some books indicate one on each side of the bush while other indicate both on the outer side.

Tom Bishop wrote:Just been throught the whole IRS with my 181. I had to fit the urethane bushes like the above as I could not find the original rubber ones. What I found was that the inner diameter of this new product was about 1mm larger that the original bushes and had new bushes made.

Question?> Where do the 2 washers go. Some books indicate one on each side of the bush while other indicate both on the outer side.

I noticed that there is some play between the metal bush and the bolt too, will probably have to go that route as well.

On the IRS chassis I removed the bolt from, the two washers were on the same (outer) side of the bush.

Update 20/12/2008:

Still in the process of cleaning the trailing arms - removed the seals, bearings, spacers and circlips, and cleaned out several spoons full of old disgusting grease. Trailing arms will have to be sandblasted to get rid of all the junk. Will also have to get a quote on the new Type 3 IRS bearings in the week, not sure if they are available in SA though. The trailing arms currently do not have brackets for the fitment of the lower parts of the shocks (removed previously for fitment in a sand master), so they will have to be manufactured. Isn't it amazing how many parts of this project come in pairs? Below a pic of the two IRS stub axles, the left one cleaned (yes, b.m.o wirebrush ) and painted already. What I like about the IRS setup is that the bearings on the hubs only run in grease, unlike a swingarm setup where the bearings run in gearbox oil and leak very easily..

This diagram shows all the different parts for the IRS, with an unbelievable lot of spacers!

(Tom Bishop, note how the two washers on the pivot bolt are on the same side)

Pine.... the bearings used will usually not be specially manufactured for the application, but rather std bearings used in that application.
Pull the bearings out and check the numbers.. usually something like a 3208 for example... look at the numbers. Take the bearing (especially the inner half) to "bearing man" and they should be able to supply a replacement,

Thanks, TZ - I have already taken the bearings out and will post pics of them tomorrow. One of the bearings has a loose inner bush that can probably be re-used, if neccesary?

the inner part usually has the number stamped into it... Look for a 4 digit number, some have 5 or 6 digits depending on the type. That is the type of the bearing (serial number).

Pics, as promised. Only when taking these did I realise that they have exactly the same dimensions. These two are from the same trailing arm, but what I find interesting is that the inner bearing have balls, and the outer bearing rollers. Is it supposed to be like that? Same on the other side. Only the outer bearing has a code - NU206E, will have a look for replacements in the week. The inner bush of the outer bearing is removable. On second thought - I'm not even sure they need replacement, they seem to be in pretty good condition as they are, might just need a good cleanup?

they look like standard bearings. That Nu... is the type of bearing. Tells the size and design.
Replacements are prob about R150 each. Just go to bearing man and they should be able to supply new ones.

Thanks Mr T

Thats one diagram. You will find others with the washers on both sides. who knows.

my 181 had normal beetle swingaxle bearings on the inside and out. I also went for sealed bearing, no more messy grease.

Pine, if there is no pitting, or 'blue-ing' (from heat etc) or visible damage, they dont need replacing. Just clean 'em up nicely with a degreaser and re-grease. They should work fine.



On both bearings, check the 'retainers' that actualyl hold your balls together . If they are cracked/show wear, chuck the bearings!!! Or you WILL cry later!