Hi Everyone! In this 1969 VW Beetle episode, we are replacing the rear bearings - inner and outer. The is an IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) and not a Swing Axle car (first year I believe). The old bearings were shot - maybe not as bad as the fronts, but still loose and worn. It is a bit of work, but straight forward enough. The brakes will be coming up :) Enjoy! The VW Torque Multiplier too for rear-wheel nut: amzn.to/3besSiq The Ring Plier kit: amzn.to/3gDDw33 The Star/Triple Square/Spline Drive toolset: amzn.to/31DUHxk Seal Puller: amzn.to/2EPxT4y Rubber Mallet: amzn.to/2ENIBJ6 High Temp Bearing Grease: amzn.to/32IA5U5
I recently bought a 1974 Super Beetle, and these videos have been extremely helpful. Thank you so much. I also like how Franny smiles at the camera before cuts.
Your attention to detail and explaining everything so thoroughly is awesome. And as always the filming is the best. Can't wait for the next installment.
You are absolutely awesome! I’m building a “street rail”. I purchased an old sand rail and I’m replacing everything. This is my first VW bug mechanical experience. So…. I’ve been surfing the crap out of TH-cam for instructional stuff. So far you and your work has been the easiest to follow. Pleasant to watch too. Thank you!
Heidi/Franny, I am rebuilding this component right now. Your video is my bible....so glad you made it. Can't thank you enough!! I use diesel fuel for cleaning. Low volatility ,but works well. Then brake cleaner or carburetor cleaning (gunk) fluid.
I am a 72 year old gay man who is just getting into watching anything to do with my first car (long gone) a 1967 VW beetle. You and your partner are just amazing and fun and informative to watch! Love YA!
Hi Franny, I just did a rear wheel bearing replacement on my 66 swing axle today. After watching several videos on how to do it the wrong way, I read my shop manual for the right way. One step that all the videos miss is, that you keep the castellated nut on the very end of the shaft. Then hit the nut using a drift and hammer driving the shaft towards the transmission slightly, thereby dislodging the bearing enough to fit a gear puller onto it. That’s how it’s done. Cheers from Australia, Frank
I have a 1978 Super Beetle Convertible that I changed the rear wheel bearings, the right drive axle assembly, did a complete rear brake job including replacing brake cylinders, and converted the front drum brakes to disc brakes. I could not have done it without your help. Thanks for the EXCELLENT videos with the helpful details that you include. I got my parts from JBugs, SoCal and Amazon. I bought the heavy duty ring clip pliers that you use on Amazon because the ones I have were insufficient. I also bought the CV bolt 12 point hex socket from Amazon. I took the rear bearing caps to a machinist to remove the outer seals with a hydraulic press. O’Riley Auto Parts has a loaner bearing, race and seal driver tool that I was able to use which worked very well. Please keep the videos coming. If you ever rebuild a super beetle front end or rebuild an engine or transmission please post it. Thanks for what you do! A lot of help!
Love your work ladies. Superb editing and and instruction for those who love working on their old cars. I just really find Franny quite therapeutic to watch and listen to. If only I had a a 911 Carrera and a VW Beetle, or preferably a VW Kombi Kamper... In the meantime, I'll settle for having 100s of classic 911 photos and owning a LEGO red VW Kombi Kamper! :)
came across this video as I'm in the process of refurbishing my rear arms, they are heading to the blasters to be stripped, going to rebuild them with all new bearings etc. subbed because of the quality of the video.
Great to see a couple of tools I don’t yet own! I once decided to take my VW to the professionals to have the rear bearing done quickly. Soon after I noticed fluid dripping from the drum and had to do the job again myself, finding they had pinched the seal. It’s a tricky job and needs patience and the time and love only a VW owner can give 😊
Yeah, a lot of little fiddly parts have to be removed just to get to them. Otherwise not hard, just intensive. I just machined some parts down to fit the very same VW axles into a custom go kart trailing arms. I just put that mess together today... lol... and this video popped up in my feed!
I've had my 1970 VW since 1972, and my 1971 VW since 1976, and I've NEVER greased or replaced their rear wheel bearings. I'll also NEVER serviced their CV joints or boots (not torn), but have had the CV axles disconnected on my 1970 when I removed/installed a rebuilt transmission in 2018. Good video, and note that I am NOT recommending that others follow my lead on those rear bearings and CV joints. I just made my mind up decades ago to just replace CVs or drive axles rather than deal with the CV balls and greasing.
This tutorial was awesome, and allowed me to do the bearings and brakes on my own 69. Back in June as a new Beetle owner I didn't know much about working on cars at all. Now, thanks in large part to your videos, I'm doing jobs I never thought I could do myself. Thank you!
Franny your videos are excellent for home mechanics no matter what they are working on. For people like myself who take their vehicles to garages it helps them to know what to look for and to understand what their mechanic is telling them. Overall the more informed you are the better decisions that you make. On a personal level these videos are great for my mental health. Your calm and understanding nature makes these videos a highlight of my day and that feeling lasts long after I have watched the video. I feel that I am being overcompensated for the patreon funds I provide. Thank you to both you and Heidi for your excellent work!
Thank you for this video. I'm redoing the whole break system for my '63 Bug and this is fantastic information. Watching and doing are two different things, but it helps to have the info in my head as I attempt to do all the steps. I keep taking two steps forward and one step back, but I'm doing it. Thanks again!
I am working on a sand rail buggy that my son bought, doing the same things to it. Your videos really help me alot and explain everything in detail, Thankyou very much. "I also lost an hour looking for another spacer that was the inner part of the bearing", LOL.
Parts cleaning: I use a repurposed empty protein can cut in half. I use Simple Green unless it's super grimy, then I'll use auto store spray degreaser/ the nuclear toxic stuff. The fluid then goes in my oil change can that the auto store dumps for free. .....I'm not new to engine work or auto restoration, but totally new to Volkswagen. Thanks for the super informative videos. Your filming, editing and explanations are great.
From the changes of shirts in the video I'd say you did this job over several days. That's actually a good thing. Keeps you from getting worn out and frustrated. I usually have only one car at a time so have to finish what I start, or at least used to. Retired now so don't need a reliable work car. I've never done bearings on the drive axles. You made it look fairly straight forward. Like you said, you need to have the right tools for the job.
I just want to say thank you for your excellent instructions on removing and replacing the rear bearings on my VW. Filming was excellent and you walk the viewer in way that is easy to follow. I was very hesitant to attempt this messy job, but I was successful given your video.
Heidi, your expertise is wonderful and so very much appreciated. I was hesitant to address mine, but your info has done much to "rein in" my fears. Thank you!!
Can't say thanks enough for this video!! I referred to it many times while replacing bearings. It helped me tremendously!! Thank you very, very much. I will now refer to your other videos when I start a job.
Franny and Heidi : investing in a good solvent tank with a pump & nozzle as well as a good bead blaster enclosure has been key for my work on vehicles.
Thank you for another great installment! Your videos are the exactly level of detail needed for the weekend mechanic.... Now... if you'd just do one on installing a Porsche 914 engine in a VW dune buggy... Thanks again and keep the videos coming!!!
Hello from UK - came across your channel thanks to Ratarossa. Your channel is GREAT and shows exactly what is involved in the job. It is what I am trying to achieve on my channel only you guys (ladies) do it so much better with slick editing and lighting and commentary. I have much to learn! Split and cotter pins are often confused but that is a 'split pin' on the hub - a cotter pin is what is used to hold pedals on a bicycle. It is one of the first times I've seen someone actually re install the split pin correctly - most people bend both prongs making it really hard to get off 30 years later! Porsche...VW....just missing an old Merc. Mike
I used a small standing parts washer with 10 gallons of solvent. I picked it all up at Princess Auto in Canada. The whole cost was under 200. Worth every penny
Thanks, this is just what I needed. I haven't owned a VW in 40 years and recently bought one to restore and was having trouble figuring out which way the spacers/bearings went and you explained it perfectly.
YOU DID A GREAT JOB... THANKS My name is VW that is what folks around me call me... and YES I am restoring a 70 typ3... I am working on renewing my rear axles and brakes right now... YOUR VIDEO SURE HELPED A LOT, THANKS
Hi everyone, Im new to this wv Beatle world lol.but your videos has really helped me on fixing my first dune buggy you also have a very special way of explaining everything.....thank you much.
Yesterday I ordered the ring pliers you used in this episode. Amazon delivered them today. Hard to believe to quality of the product for the $20 price! Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for the tips...an oldie but a goodie! Still look back on this video even though I've changed countless VW Wheel Bearings. Very Thorough and detailed...Great Job Franny!
Some of the old schoolers used Stoddard solvent for cleaning parts. Cleans well. Very high flash point. OSHA sets an upper exposure limit of 500 ppm per 8 hour workday. 20,000 ppm is directly toxic. Should be used with a system that contains the vapors and avoids skin contact. There are better ways to clean parts. On the gasket, the old style swing arm axle was full of gear oil? At worst it's going to offset the casting by 1/4 mm or so. Shouldn't affect the preload on the bearings. Thanks for sharing!
Your videos are the most useful I have ever found for the Beetle. I have had several over almost 40 years but thanks to this video it is the first time I have totally stripped the rear hubs and bearings on one. Thank you so much for your help.
I love the tool for removing the large axle nut. That would have come in handy when we did rear bearings on the 924 and later on the 914! You were fortunate that the bearings popped out easily. Whew! For parts cleaning we bought a 5 gallon pail of parts cleaner that was used in a vessel big enough for the item being cleaned. It does a super job. Good call on the seal for the bearing cover. Great job as usual, thanks!! And good news about the 911. Can't wait!!!
Great video. My daughter and I plan to overhaul the rear end of my late father's 72 bug over Christmas holiday. Thank you for this as it will make things much less nerve-wracking...
This video was one of the best I've ever seen on TH-cam for wheel bearings on vw beetles 🐞 Also I wanted to note that your attention to detail as well as your suggestions and tips are top notch. Thank you very much for providing a first timer with the knowledge to tackle this job. The only thing I was a little concerned about and it could be a different year - but there is small o-ring that slides over the axle under the outer spacer that seemed to be missing. But again, could not be required for your model. I have a 73'. Cheers!
Thanks so much! Yes, I believe that is for the Swing Axles. I have to admit I was a little confused with some conflicting info I saw, but the main difference is that the Swing Axle setup has to keep the oil from the transaxle out of the brake system. Let me know if you disagree. Thanks, F
Most of those rear bearings have a tiny bit of play it’s completely normal. The tapered roller bearing is for side thrust and the roller bearing is for vertical thrust loading. Obviously wiggling it by hand is not going to tell you the amount of play, you will need the wheel on and the castle nut torqued up to 250 pounds/foot. If you have excessive movement I have heard some guys turning a couple of thou off the centre spacer in a lathe to eradicate the play, but not sure I like that idea, excessive play after replacing them is more likely to be caused by crappy after market bearings. Love your vids, thanks for the content, great attention to detail.
Love your videos. I'm watching this one for the 2nd time...finally have all my parts in, so installing tomorrow. Great detail. Very helpful for a new bug resto person...74 super beetle. Thank you!
I use a big galvanized pan like you'd use to feed chickens for cleaning parts. I've used all sorts of solvents, MEK, acetone, mineral spirits, 1,1,1 trichloroethane (really dangerous stuff), and the old standby brake parts cleaning spray. I think 1,1,1 trichloroethane is illegal now, but we used gallons of it in the Bell System. It's a fantastic cleaner. I don't think you can get real MEK anymore, but the MEK substitute is really good. Usually substitutes are garbage, but I'm impressed with the fake MEK.
Thanks Franny, your the dogs! Another great “how to”, you now have the number one and two spots in my fave videos. According to my Haynes the torque on the bearing cover bolts is 43ftlbs. I use various degreasers and a slosh bucket with lid.Mainly use acetone for just metal parts, also brake and carb cleaner and elbow grease etc.
Well done, your editing makes it so efficient! I was going to tease about the tools at 13:30 where the first tool is for opening rings, not compressing, but looks like it's one of those all in one reversible tools. You're just too good :)
Excellent video. I'm doing the rear bearings and brakes on my '69 right now. I don't have that nifty seal removal tool, but a 2 foot prybar gave me plenty of leverage to pop them out.
Fran, since you have made the investment in 4 post lifts, why not purchase a rolling bridge jack instead of hoisting that small floor jack onto the 4 poster? I clean bearings the same as you; no FM about that. I also like to freeze bearings overnight, shrinking the diameter a few10ths of a mm so they install a little easier.
Just ordered my Torque Multiplier! Thanks!! Been dreading that castle nut for a few weeks now... Not so much anymore! :-) Another great video! Loving them over here in Sydney Australia!
I have a big utility sink in my garage that I do all my cleaning in, simple green, brake parts cleaner and rubbing alcohol are great but honestly my main go to is dawn dish soap, nothing removes old grease faster! Fantastic video as usual Franny!!
I have a parts washer that I use mostly diesel and a dash of greased lightning degreaser works excellent I think your tub is perfect for your available garage space. Awesome video btw
We have a 20 gallon parts washer from Harbor Freight. We filled it with a 50/50 mix of Purple Power and water. To give it extra cleaning power before filling it up we drilled a hole in the back of the tank near the pump assembly and installed a 1250 watt water heater element set at about 120°. The heated Purple Power solution simply melts the grease away. In fact it is so strong that it stripped the paint off of the inside of the tank below the liquid level.
Nice to see you, Franny! Another superb tutorial. I understand it's a labor of love, but the patience you have is insane, however very well admired!!! =)
Greast tool, I have seen them on line but its cool to see how its actually used. Well done there was a lot of play and clicking because you already loosended those 4 bolts (14mm). Thats where your clicking was coming from by the looks of it. You dont have to lock the wheel down to get the CV bolts loose, just use a small inpact gun set low. As far as cleaning parts, Harbour Freight sells a decent parts washer( its like a tub with a fluid pump that pumps the cleaner up a hose, threw a brush and onto your part.. cleaning fluid i used Var-is-all ( Not sure of spelling, but thats how it sounds.)
I used a small pipe wrench on the axel to hold mine from turning. It seemed to work well and i didn't see that it hurt anything. Just thought Id mention it. EE
Always love your teaching technique. Have used a bench top cleaner with mineral sprits for years also a cheap dental ultrasonic. In addition to freezing the bearings I heat the backing plate with a heat gun. Miss the pearls.
and an ultrasonic cleaner works really well on pearls and jewelry too, not that Franny's would need much deep cleaning, as she can overhaul a whole car and almost not get covered in any gunk at all! :)
Dont forget to tell the owner of Lemon Drop that the posterior sway bar works wonders for stabilizing the bug in curbs. My brazilian bug didnt have the sway bar and now that I found out that I can place one to it. The driving is actually better and stiffer. It handles the turns fantastic even at high speeds.
Great video! I removed the trailing arms during the body off restoration and have started to change the bushings, then after paint I will be doing this operation, so thanks for the detailed explanation!
Great video! I place the the axle nut onto the axle and bang in that to prevent any damage to the threads. The swing axle gasket kit is set up for oil coming from the transmission. So you really don’t need that outer paper gasket since the grease is a different viscosity than oil.
Building a vw sandrail and researching bearing and seal replacement before spending time on it myself found your video very informative and helpful. Tool selection helped in preparation as well thank you. Parts cleaner, I use a large jewelry sonic cleaner with different solvents for specific component. Work on bicycles too and the ultrasonic basin helps greatly shaking dirt out of small mechanical parts.
Great episode, loved the torque multiplier. On another note, I finally got around to putting the LED ribbons on my lift, a Backyard Buddy, which I bought in 1998 and was lucky enough to be able to use the inner vertical surfaces so the light goes both up and down. Definitely works on muffler installation. Love the show watch you on the big screen (65") By the way I have a 1998 boxster from new, with the speedster humps and only 19000 miles on it . Thanks and keep them coming, Jack Neve
Hey, great video!!! I really like how detailed you are and explain everything so anyone can understand. So, just a couple of suggestions/comments: get yourself a bearing and seal install kit (they aren't very expensive (Harbor Freight) and you don't have to use your socket...I believe you said, the right tool for the job ;) ) Also a solvent tank, in my opinion, is better than a plastic container. Many places carry benchtop versions that won't take up a lot of space. You can use parts solvent that you can purchase at your local auto parts store or, I use diesel fuel. As long as you use something that is oil-based. Also, for the next time you have to do the rear axle seals/bearings, the rear axle bearing cover bolts should be tightened to 40 ft-lbs. Lastly, NO SCHMUTZ! LOL
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Hi Everyone! In this 1969 VW Beetle episode, we are replacing the rear bearings - inner and outer. The is an IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) and not a Swing Axle car (first year I believe). The old bearings were shot - maybe not as bad as the fronts, but still loose and worn. It is a bit of work, but straight forward enough. The brakes will be coming up :)
Enjoy!
The VW Torque Multiplier too for rear-wheel nut: amzn.to/3besSiq
The Ring Plier kit: amzn.to/3gDDw33
The Star/Triple Square/Spline Drive toolset: amzn.to/31DUHxk
Seal Puller: amzn.to/2EPxT4y
Rubber Mallet: amzn.to/2ENIBJ6
High Temp Bearing Grease: amzn.to/32IA5U5
Help. where did you get the axle multiplier and rear bearing seal kits????
I recently bought a 1974 Super Beetle, and these videos have been extremely helpful. Thank you so much. I also like how Franny smiles at the camera before cuts.
Lesson No 1 from my engineering design course. NEVER HAMMER A BALL BEARING!
Opps
That is all fine and dandy.
Not many people have a press.
That torque multiplier tool is very cool...thanks for showing us that.
Add 10 percent for gear and bearing losses
Get a PARTSWASHER!!!
Your attention to detail and explaining everything so thoroughly is awesome. And as always the filming is the best. Can't wait for the next installment.
You are absolutely awesome! I’m building a “street rail”. I purchased an old sand rail and I’m replacing everything. This is my first VW bug mechanical experience. So…. I’ve been surfing the crap out of TH-cam for instructional stuff. So far you and your work has been the easiest to follow. Pleasant to watch too. Thank you!
You are a great mechanic and teacher.
Heidi/Franny, I am rebuilding this component right now. Your video is my bible....so glad you made it. Can't thank you enough!! I use diesel fuel for cleaning. Low volatility ,but works well. Then brake cleaner or carburetor cleaning (gunk) fluid.
If you like cars and how they work - even if you don't have that particular car - then these are the best videos on You Tube, hands down.
Thanks so much!!
I am a 72 year old gay man who is just getting into watching anything to do with my first car (long gone) a 1967 VW beetle. You and your partner are just amazing and fun and informative to watch! Love YA!
I think I've watched this 5 times. I'll watch it another few to make sure. Thanks for sharing ya knowledge 🙏
Beck\arnley has fantastic rear seal kit with all of em.
Hi Franny, I just did a rear wheel bearing replacement on my 66 swing axle today. After watching several videos on how to do it the wrong way, I read my shop manual for the right way. One step that all the videos miss is, that you keep the castellated nut on the very end of the shaft. Then hit the nut using a drift and hammer driving the shaft towards the transmission slightly, thereby dislodging the bearing enough to fit a gear puller onto it. That’s how it’s done. Cheers from Australia, Frank
Thanks for that Frank.
I have a 1978 Super Beetle Convertible that I changed the rear wheel bearings, the right drive axle assembly, did a complete rear brake job including replacing brake cylinders, and converted the front drum brakes to disc brakes. I could not have done it without your help. Thanks for the EXCELLENT videos with the helpful details that you include. I got my parts from JBugs, SoCal and Amazon. I bought the heavy duty ring clip pliers that you use on Amazon because the ones I have were insufficient. I also bought the CV bolt 12 point hex socket from Amazon. I took the rear bearing caps to a machinist to remove the outer seals with a hydraulic press. O’Riley Auto Parts has a loaner bearing, race and seal driver tool that I was able to use which worked very well. Please keep the videos coming. If you ever rebuild a super beetle front end or rebuild an engine or transmission please post it. Thanks for what you do! A lot of help!
We.would post, but we have no plans too.
Love your work ladies. Superb editing and and instruction for those who love working on their old cars. I just really find Franny quite therapeutic to watch and listen to. If only I had a a 911 Carrera and a VW Beetle, or preferably a VW Kombi Kamper... In the meantime, I'll settle for having 100s of classic 911 photos and owning a LEGO red VW Kombi Kamper! :)
Thanks so much!
came across this video as I'm in the process of refurbishing my rear arms, they are heading to the blasters to be stripped, going to rebuild them with all new bearings etc. subbed because of the quality of the video.
Great to see a couple of tools I don’t yet own! I once decided to take my VW to the professionals to have the rear bearing done quickly. Soon after I noticed fluid dripping from the drum and had to do the job again myself, finding they had pinched the seal. It’s a tricky job and needs patience and the time and love only a VW owner can give 😊
Yeah, a lot of little fiddly parts have to be removed just to get to them. Otherwise not hard, just intensive. I just machined some parts down to fit the very same VW axles into a custom go kart trailing arms. I just put that mess together today... lol... and this video popped up in my feed!
I've had my 1970 VW since 1972, and my 1971 VW since 1976, and I've NEVER greased or replaced their rear wheel bearings. I'll also NEVER serviced their CV joints or boots (not torn), but have had the CV axles disconnected on my 1970 when I removed/installed a rebuilt transmission in 2018. Good video, and note that I am NOT recommending that others follow my lead on those rear bearings and CV joints. I just made my mind up decades ago to just replace CVs or drive axles rather than deal with the CV balls and greasing.
Probably one the best VW tutorial. !!!
This tutorial was awesome, and allowed me to do the bearings and brakes on my own 69. Back in June as a new Beetle owner I didn't know much about working on cars at all. Now, thanks in large part to your videos, I'm doing jobs I never thought I could do myself. Thank you!
Oh wow! That's so great! Congrats on your new car :) I hope you enjoying working on them as much as I do. So glad the videos are helpful! F
Grinding down the old bearing was a clever idea, thank you.
Starting to get used to seeing Franny without her visor! Always enjoy the videos and looking forward to the next.
Franny your videos are excellent for home mechanics no matter what they are working on. For people like myself who take their vehicles to garages it helps them to know what to look for and to understand what their mechanic is telling them. Overall the more informed you are the better decisions that you make. On a personal level these videos are great for my mental health. Your calm and understanding nature makes these videos a highlight of my day and that feeling lasts long after I have watched the video. I feel that I am being overcompensated for the patreon funds I provide. Thank you to both you and Heidi for your excellent work!
Thanks so much John. I always look forward to your wonderful and thoughtful comments. I hope you are doing well :)
Thank you for this video. I'm redoing the whole break system for my '63 Bug and this is fantastic information. Watching and doing are two different things, but it helps to have the info in my head as I attempt to do all the steps. I keep taking two steps forward and one step back, but I'm doing it. Thanks again!
I am working on a sand rail buggy that my son bought, doing the same things to it. Your videos really help me alot and explain everything in detail, Thankyou very much. "I also lost an hour looking for another spacer that was the inner part of the bearing", LOL.
You are right to emphasize to do the job with the right tools, it will save you time and headaches. A good step by step video.
Direct. Concise. Succinct.
Excellent work and explanation!
Parts cleaning: I use a repurposed empty protein can cut in half. I use Simple Green unless it's super grimy, then I'll use auto store spray degreaser/ the nuclear toxic stuff. The fluid then goes in my oil change can that the auto store dumps for free. .....I'm not new to engine work or auto restoration, but totally new to Volkswagen. Thanks for the super informative videos. Your filming, editing and explanations are great.
From the changes of shirts in the video I'd say you did this job over several days. That's actually a good thing. Keeps you from getting worn out and frustrated. I usually have only one car at a time so have to finish what I start, or at least used to. Retired now so don't need a reliable work car.
I've never done bearings on the drive axles. You made it look fairly straight forward. Like you said, you need to have the right tools for the job.
Thank you for the video. Changed bearings on my -72 VW and it went great :)
That's great to hear!
don't know why but i love this lady... great viewing. thankyou from the UK
Thanks!
"Schmutzy"? Been a while since I heard that and think that it needs to come back. Thank you for walking through this process so completely!
I just want to say thank you for your excellent instructions on removing and replacing the rear bearings on my VW. Filming was excellent and you walk the viewer in way that is easy to follow. I was very hesitant to attempt this messy job, but I was successful given your video.
Heidi, your expertise is wonderful and so very much appreciated. I was hesitant to address mine, but your info has done much to "rein in" my fears. Thank you!!
Can't say thanks enough for this video!! I referred to it many times while replacing bearings. It helped me tremendously!! Thank you very, very much. I will now refer to your other videos when I start a job.
Franny and Heidi : investing in a good solvent tank with a pump & nozzle as well as a good bead blaster enclosure has been key for my work on vehicles.
Somehow your handiwork is more delicate and elegant - another great one
Wow, thank you!
Thank you for another great installment! Your videos are the exactly level of detail needed for the weekend mechanic.... Now... if you'd just do one on installing a Porsche 914 engine in a VW dune buggy... Thanks again and keep the videos coming!!!
Excellent top stuff
Hello from UK - came across your channel thanks to Ratarossa. Your channel is GREAT and shows exactly what is involved in the job. It is what I am trying to achieve on my channel only you guys (ladies) do it so much better with slick editing and lighting and commentary. I have much to learn! Split and cotter pins are often confused but that is a 'split pin' on the hub - a cotter pin is what is used to hold pedals on a bicycle. It is one of the first times I've seen someone actually re install the split pin correctly - most people bend both prongs making it really hard to get off 30 years later! Porsche...VW....just missing an old Merc. Mike
Thanks Mike. I guess I need to brush up a bit on my pins :) Welcome to the channel! There is still a bit to go on the Beetle :)
I used a small standing parts washer with 10 gallons of solvent. I picked it all up at Princess Auto in Canada. The whole cost was under 200. Worth every penny
Nice technical Documentary on the Vw IRS Bearings Replacement. I love this....!
Thanks!
Thanks, this is just what I needed. I haven't owned a VW in 40 years and recently bought one to restore and was having trouble figuring out which way the spacers/bearings went and you explained it perfectly.
Awesome job! Thanks for the step by steps demonstrations. It helps a lot to fix the wheel ear bearing of my 1302 Super beetle.
YOU DID A GREAT JOB... THANKS My name is VW that is what folks around me call me... and YES I am restoring a 70 typ3... I am working on renewing my rear axles and brakes right now... YOUR VIDEO SURE HELPED A LOT, THANKS
This was a lifesaver video for me doing an IRS conversion. Thank you very much.
Hi everyone, Im new to this wv Beatle world lol.but your videos has really helped me on fixing my first dune buggy you also have a very special way of explaining everything.....thank you much.
Thanks Franny, your explanation is excellent ! Everything we all need to get the job done.
Yesterday I ordered the ring pliers you used in this episode. Amazon delivered them today. Hard to believe to quality of the product for the $20 price! Thanks for the tip.
You bet! Pretty beefy huh.
Thanks for the tips...an oldie but a goodie! Still look back on this video even though I've changed countless VW Wheel Bearings. Very Thorough and detailed...Great Job Franny!
Your videos are so imformational. Thanks so much for taking the time to film these
Some of the old schoolers used Stoddard solvent for cleaning parts. Cleans well. Very high flash point. OSHA sets an upper exposure limit of 500 ppm per 8 hour workday. 20,000 ppm is directly toxic. Should be used with a system that contains the vapors and avoids skin contact. There are better ways to clean parts. On the gasket, the old style swing arm axle was full of gear oil? At worst it's going to offset the casting by 1/4 mm or so. Shouldn't affect the preload on the bearings. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
Very good and informative Vidéo... As always, thank You for all the work... Wish You the best. 👍
Your videos are the most useful I have ever found for the Beetle. I have had several over almost 40 years but thanks to this video it is the first time I have totally stripped the rear hubs and bearings on one. Thank you so much for your help.
Oh, great! So glad they are helpful :)
I love the tool for removing the large axle nut. That would have come in handy when we did rear bearings on the 924 and later on the 914! You were fortunate that the bearings popped out easily. Whew! For parts cleaning we bought a 5 gallon pail of parts cleaner that was used in a vessel big enough for the item being cleaned. It does a super job.
Good call on the seal for the bearing cover. Great job as usual, thanks!! And good news about the 911. Can't wait!!!
Thanks Judi!
Hey FRANNY GREAT VIDEO I just renewed and lubed my 70 SqrBk chassis. Your videos helped me, THANK YOU... I cleaned parts using carburetor solvent. VW
I just love love watching your video's
Thanks so much!
Lol. Seriously l. Have done this job over a dozen times and know it pretty intimently. I still watched the whole video
Great video. My daughter and I plan to overhaul the rear end of my late father's 72 bug over Christmas holiday. Thank you for this as it will make things much less nerve-wracking...
I see a Heidi and Franny video and I like!
I see a Nick Murray and I like :)
Get a partswaser
This video was one of the best I've ever seen on TH-cam for wheel bearings on vw beetles 🐞 Also I wanted to note that your attention to detail as well as your suggestions and tips are top notch. Thank you very much for providing a first timer with the knowledge to tackle this job.
The only thing I was a little concerned about and it could be a different year - but there is small o-ring that slides over the axle under the outer spacer that seemed to be missing. But again, could not be required for your model. I have a 73'. Cheers!
Thanks so much! Yes, I believe that is for the Swing Axles. I have to admit I was a little confused with some conflicting info I saw, but the main difference is that the Swing Axle setup has to keep the oil from the transaxle out of the brake system. Let me know if you disagree. Thanks, F
Most of those rear bearings have a tiny bit of play it’s completely normal. The tapered roller bearing is for side thrust and the roller bearing is for vertical thrust loading. Obviously wiggling it by hand is not going to tell you the amount of play, you will need the wheel on and the castle nut torqued up to 250 pounds/foot. If you have excessive movement I have heard some guys turning a couple of thou off the centre spacer in a lathe to eradicate the play, but not sure I like that idea, excessive play after replacing them is more likely to be caused by crappy after market bearings. Love your vids, thanks for the content, great attention to detail.
Love your videos. I'm watching this one for the 2nd time...finally have all my parts in, so installing tomorrow. Great detail. Very helpful for a new bug resto person...74 super beetle. Thank you!
I have a parts washer but there is usually stuff piled on it so I use a small tub and gasoline. Love the videos
I use a big galvanized pan like you'd use to feed chickens for cleaning parts. I've used all sorts of solvents, MEK, acetone, mineral spirits, 1,1,1 trichloroethane (really dangerous stuff), and the old standby brake parts cleaning spray.
I think 1,1,1 trichloroethane is illegal now, but we used gallons of it in the Bell System. It's a fantastic cleaner.
I don't think you can get real MEK anymore, but the MEK substitute is really good. Usually substitutes are garbage, but I'm impressed with the fake MEK.
Superb job as usual explaning a complex job in easy to understand steps. LOVE that torque multiplier tool, one of the neatest tools I have ever seen.
Thanks so much!
This video is very well done, good and clear explanation, and a lot of tool tip as well.
Excellent tutorial as well as videography. Thanks for sharing your wealth of VW experience.
Great vid. I'm about to start this on my 356 replica build and you just nailed every aspect of doing this for me. Thank you.
Thanks Franny, your the dogs! Another great “how to”, you now have the number one and two spots in my fave videos.
According to my Haynes the torque on the bearing cover bolts is 43ftlbs. I use various degreasers and a slosh bucket with lid.Mainly use acetone for just metal parts, also brake and carb cleaner and elbow grease etc.
Ahh great!! Thanks! I'm going to have to get a proper manual if this car comes back much more ;)
Well done, your editing makes it so efficient! I was going to tease about the tools at 13:30 where the first tool is for opening rings, not compressing, but looks like it's one of those all in one reversible tools. You're just too good :)
What a huge job. So complicated. Great video.
Pretty good tutorial. I did them a while back like 5 years ago but forgot it a little. Thanks.
Excellent video. I'm doing the rear bearings and brakes on my '69 right now. I don't have that nifty seal removal tool, but a 2 foot prybar gave me plenty of leverage to pop them out.
So helpful! I'm hoping this generally applies to early 70's Karmann Ghias!
Fran, since you have made the investment in 4 post lifts, why not purchase a rolling bridge jack instead of hoisting that small floor jack onto the 4 poster?
I clean bearings the same as you; no FM about that.
I also like to freeze bearings overnight, shrinking the diameter a few10ths of a mm so they install a little easier.
Thanks! Yes that bridge jack would be sweet! They are 1/2 the cost of a lift... Maybe someday I can talk Heidi into one :)
Just ordered my Torque Multiplier! Thanks!! Been dreading that castle nut for a few weeks now... Not so much anymore! :-) Another great video! Loving them over here in Sydney Australia!
Oh, that's great! Also perfect for that Flywheel bolt as well. Yea!
I have a big utility sink in my garage that I do all my cleaning in, simple green, brake parts cleaner and rubbing alcohol are great but honestly my main go to is dawn dish soap, nothing removes old grease faster!
Fantastic video as usual Franny!!
Great! Thanks for that :)
I have a parts washer that I use mostly diesel and a dash of greased lightning degreaser works excellent I think your tub is perfect for your available garage space. Awesome video btw
Hi Franny and Heidi, thank you for another great well explained video. Love them all.
Thanks so much!
I love your upbeat attitude.
Thanks!
You are one Kool lady. Great video all the way around. Thank you and keep up the great work.
We have a 20 gallon parts washer from Harbor Freight. We filled it with a 50/50 mix of Purple Power and water. To give it extra cleaning power before filling it up we drilled a hole in the back of the tank near the pump assembly and installed a 1250 watt water heater element set at about 120°. The heated Purple Power solution simply melts the grease away. In fact it is so strong that it stripped the paint off of the inside of the tank below the liquid level.
Excellent work in all aspects as always. Would like to see a vid that shows a '70's VW rear disc brake conversion procedure in detail. Thanks again.
Nice to see you, Franny! Another superb tutorial.
I understand it's a labor of love, but the patience you have is insane, however very well admired!!! =)
Thanks so much! :)
Greast tool, I have seen them on line but its cool to see how its actually used.
Well done
there was a lot of play and clicking because you already loosended those 4 bolts (14mm). Thats where your clicking was coming from by the looks of it.
You dont have to lock the wheel down to get the CV bolts loose, just use a small inpact gun set low.
As far as cleaning parts, Harbour Freight sells a decent parts washer( its like a tub with a fluid pump that pumps the cleaner up a hose, threw a brush and onto your part.. cleaning fluid i used Var-is-all ( Not sure of spelling, but thats how it sounds.)
I used a small pipe wrench on the axel to hold mine from turning. It seemed to work well and i didn't see that it hurt anything. Just thought Id mention it. EE
Always love your teaching technique. Have used a bench top cleaner with mineral sprits for years also a cheap dental ultrasonic. In addition to freezing the bearings I heat the backing plate with a heat gun. Miss the pearls.
Thanks James :)
and an ultrasonic cleaner works really well on pearls and jewelry too, not that Franny's would need much deep cleaning, as she can overhaul a whole car and almost not get covered in any gunk at all! :)
Dont forget to tell the owner of Lemon Drop that the posterior sway bar works wonders for stabilizing the bug in curbs. My brazilian bug didnt have the sway bar and now that I found out that I can place one to it. The driving is actually better and stiffer. It handles the turns fantastic even at high speeds.
That is a great tip! I'll let him know :) Thanks!
Excellent video, clear instructions, great camera work! Thank you for posting!
You are welcome!
Jegs has a portable parts washer, also love the video!👍
Great video! I removed the trailing arms during the body off restoration and have started to change the bushings, then after paint I will be doing this operation, so thanks for the detailed explanation!
Nice work Franny, Well explained.
Outstanding video! Exactly what I needed to watch. Thank you for taking the time to record this.
You bet! Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for a well made video. Your right the right tools make it easier. I'm going to use that old bearing trick to set the new ones.
Peace
Great video! I place the the axle nut onto the axle and bang in that to prevent any damage to the threads. The swing axle gasket kit is set up for oil coming from the transmission. So you really don’t need that outer paper gasket since the grease is a different viscosity than oil.
Thanks for that... Yeah, I didn't think I needed that gasket. I don't think it hurts, but not necessary.
I swear, I love you. From Italy ❤️
Great job heidi
Sometimes i use old brake fluid to clean things out also a good paint remover
Great tip! Thanks!
Building a vw sandrail and researching bearing and seal replacement before spending time on it myself found your video very informative and helpful. Tool selection helped in preparation as well thank you. Parts cleaner, I use a large jewelry sonic cleaner with different solvents for specific component. Work on bicycles too and the ultrasonic basin helps greatly shaking dirt out of small mechanical parts.
That's a great suggestion! Thanks.
Great episode, loved the torque multiplier. On another note, I finally got around to putting the LED ribbons on my lift, a Backyard Buddy, which I bought in 1998 and was lucky enough to be able to use the inner vertical surfaces so the light goes both up and down. Definitely works on muffler installation. Love the show watch you on the big screen (65") By the way I have a 1998 boxster from new, with the speedster humps and only 19000 miles on it . Thanks and keep them coming, Jack Neve
Thanks!
Very detailed, exactly what I needed. Thanks!!!
Hey, great video!!! I really like how detailed you are and explain everything so anyone can understand. So, just a couple of suggestions/comments: get yourself a bearing and seal install kit (they aren't very expensive (Harbor Freight) and you don't have to use your socket...I believe you said, the right tool for the job ;) ) Also a solvent tank, in my opinion, is better than a plastic container. Many places carry benchtop versions that won't take up a lot of space. You can use parts solvent that you can purchase at your local auto parts store or, I use diesel fuel. As long as you use something that is oil-based. Also, for the next time you have to do the rear axle seals/bearings, the rear axle bearing cover bolts should be tightened to 40 ft-lbs. Lastly, NO SCHMUTZ! LOL
Awesome video,you explained every single detail. You Rock!!!
Thanks so much!