Re: Front Beam [T3]

[Jim Adney <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 25 Jun 2003 at 23:16, C.Rochambeau wrote:

> Turns out they (a reputable shop) were unable to get the front into spec, and
> cast blame on my front beam. This beam was out of my old 1970, which was tagged
> on the hind quarters by another motorist and turned me around 180 degrees. Could
> a rear side impact affect the front beam at all?

You should read the front axle chapter in the Bentley and then make sure that 
they are using that info, and not the beetle info.

I don't think your accident would have damaged the front axle UNLESS one of the 
front wheels struck a curb, or something else, in the process of spinning 
around. The axle beam itself is VERY strong and you are not likely to bend it 
at all. If you slide sideways into a curb, however, the lower trailing arms can 
easily get badly bent. They look just fine outside, but the inner part can be 
shaped like a banana!

Our ball joints are keyed into the trailing arms only by the double flatted 
holes in the trailing arms, but they can go in either way. When you align the 
ball joints, however, you really have to pay attention to the manual and leave 
the index notch in the lower ball joint shaft pointing straight ahead. 

Go out and look at yours. Only the uppers are allowed to be adjusted away from 
straight ahead.

I usually go in WITH my car when I get it aligned. I've had good front end men 
want to do it their way, but when that didn't work, the good ones are willing 
to listen.


-- 
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Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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