First Bug Handling Issues

Just bought a 1970 Baja (San-Pacer), it's all sweet but being my first bug wasn't sure if this was a trait of the breed or something that wasn't right.

Runs like a dream but once you hit 60mph + starts to get real twitchy, just like a go-kart at speed. It's set up more as a show car than a genuine off-road baja but could it be the bushes or suspension that cause this?

Whatdyareckon?

Hi

Could be an alignment problem or dicky ball joint or squishy off road tyres.

Steve

usually if you got a bit of tow out... it makes it really keen to duck left or right.

Being a baja... if it was taken offroad... a bent tie rod could cause this.

Mind you, it could be fine and just need a wheel alignment. 👍 Worn componentry can affect this too... including bushes, tie rod ends, ball joints... all effect handling. An alignment is probably your cheapest bet. Alot of suspension shops will tell you if any of your front suspension components are worn... as they will not be able to get the alignment spot on (there will be play).

Where are you located?

worn components cause unwanted play ... to spot em jack up each front wheel and see if you can wobble it... if its not rigid, and there is play, find out where its coming from. It should lead you to the busted component half the time. 👍

I'm in NZ, the forum on the bugs here has gone a bit flat so thought I'd get some advice from the other side of the Tasman.

Got hold of great Veedub man that's fixed her up but wanted to narrow down the problem before I go back and ask his help again. Thanks for the tips, that's given me some ideas of what to look for. Cheers

Yeah its most probably a wheel alignment or a wheel balance issue. If you find you are going all over the road its probably needing an alignment or if its suddenly shaking uncontrollably till you slow down it would be a wheel balance issue. I had both ^.^

Burgo wrote:if its suddenly shaking uncontrollably till you slow down it would be a wheel balance issue.

^^^this can also be very bad balljoints

Bad shocks won't help either, I would look at front and rear

Marc

bonesbug wrote:Just bought a 1970 Baja (San-Pacer), it's all sweet but being my first bug wasn't sure if this was a trait of the breed or something that wasn't right.

Runs like a dream but once you hit 60mph + starts to get real twitchy, just like a go-kart at speed. It's set up more as a show car than a genuine off-road baja but could it be the bushes or suspension that cause this?

Whatdyareckon?

as mentioned... jack the front up...
You will need to grease the front suspension anyway...
then see if there is any movement by pulling the wheel up
etc... most likely worn ball joints or tie rod ends..
plus steering box needing adjustment..

check all the 4 ball joints... for movement
then the tie rod joints ..
If ALL are Perfect.. thats correct PERFECT...
also the steering damper.. take it off and see if it works..
if its been leaking... its worn out...
then Your steering box will need adjusting... carefully..
Read how to do this and don't do it too tight and make sure your wheels are straight ahead...

You can read how to do that at :- Rob & Dave's website :-
http://www.vw-resources-com/

My balljoints took a 50 ton press to press the originals out...

My 1968 beetle which has had everything renewed.. drives as good as a new car.. excellent in fact...
and i did the front wheel alignment Myself..
and i know many VW owners do the same thing - with torsion bar font suspensions..

lastly.. the shock absorbers... now some VW owners with narrowed beams don't run front shocks..
this is OK in the city but on country roads YIKES...
I tried it.. lol
and wheel bearings need to be perfect too...

I wouldn't take My beetle to a non VW wheel alignment place

If You can do any of these things yourself... Go ahead..
"Best person to work on a VW is the owner"

Lee

I forgot to mention front sway bar..
but I haven't been running one for about two years...

car still handles perfectly...

have one and new fitting kit to go on one day... lol

If You can't do these checks yourself, take your car to a VW mechanic or shop who can check and advise what needs replacing...

something isn't right..
could be a heap of things...lol

or just a steering damper , shocks or steering box adjustment

cheers

LEE

Hi Lee... does any avg vw mechanic do vw wheel alignments?

Cause i was thinking that before with mine... with all the new bits its out of whack... and particularly the way the rear end is sorted with the spring plates and irs arms... its certainly not your 'average' setup as your well aware :P

I haven't rang around yet ... not that ready for the 'running' extras 🙂. SOON!

Got it jacked up now using and doing the checks, thanks for all the tips.

Cheers

Hey,

Check the steering damper - it's the 'shock' located under the fuel tank.
A sign that the steering damper needs replacing is the front end getting all twitchy at speed.

I use to drive a VW Thing, the front end became twitchy at speed, felt like the front wheels were wobbling, the vibration was terrible.
Replaced the steering damper, and the problem was resolved.

Check the steering damper.

Hi.
With a Baja you have big wheels on the back and small wheels on front. Having the back high and the front low changes the caster and makes the car steer faster. Like with a Cal looker with a lowered front, you need some caster shims to slow the steering down so it is not so twichy at speed and or raise the front and lower the back suspension. This will make a big difference to how stable the car is at speed.