FAQ 34

Question: I bought a 74 standard beetle last year and I'm learning a lot. I have a problem with the suspension. When I bought it the previous owner had the front replaced and said that the tough ride was because it was new and had to "break in". Well it never did, I replaced the shocks with Brazilian shocks to se if can soften it but had no luck. When you push down on the front you get no movement at all. also when I raised the car on the hoist the front wheels droped about 4 inches as the car came up. Is their a wrong way to install the torsion bars or the front axle? Do I simply have to replace the front axle again?

Answer: This sounds normal. The front end of the Bug is very light, but the suspension is kind of hard. Mine is like this but I only notice it on big bumps. Of course, mine has 27 years of wear on it.

If you put in the stock torsion bar packs, then it should be OK. I've heard of people removing one of the segments of one or both front torsion bars. I'm not sure how well that works, and it may require an adjustable front torsion bar tube to maintain ride height.

Are your tires over inflated? Recommended front Bug tire pressure is much lower than normal cars.

Try to join the local VW club, and ask some other owners their experience, or drive their cars to compare.

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