Final wheel alignment in VW Air-cooled Beetle 1302

Final wheel alignment adjustment in VW Air-cooled Beetle 1302 was performed yesterday, because of muscle heavy works lasting these days, loosening and tightening 8 pieces of 19 mm bolt & nut in swing arms, I have some muscle inflammation on my back, arm and hip. Lasting heavy works these 5 days is too much for a geriatric like myself. Alignment correction has been neglected for long time with threatening myself, but I did and completed yesterday as a matter of fact.

Even in the movable and easily changeable axle condition in old Beetle 1302, it was possible to establish the ideal wheel alignment and axle construction. It goes straight without steering adjusting by the driver as if it is pulled by so to speak "Center Vector" once Zero degree thrust condition is accomplished. In another words, the movement axis and driver's sensory firmly match each other. Just feel I deep comfort and other vehicles with thrust become out of my sight.

Judging the fundamental construction of the passenger's car with independent suspension like 1302 Beetle manufactured over half a century ago, no big change or improvement are observed at all. Though there must be some sophistication in the way of their designing according to the improvement of technology, the basic structure of axle construction has already been completed since 48 years. Big sized rear hinge external supporting bush has tendency to be distorted relatively easily, supporting rear mounted boxer motor and trans-axle weight through torsion bar spring is the reason, concentration of stress at one point is the reason. And continuous stimulation there invites permanent distortion leading to the displacement of hinge axis, however big sized rubber bush is designed. Ideally some needle roller bearing should be designed in stead of escaping with easy counter measure? This position corresponds to the coil spring upper support for torsion bar? Rubber material can endure without distortion?

Troublesome periodical bush parts replacement is stock by this designing as a matter of fact, as a perfect designing of machinery does not exist, so this defect must be accepted by the users of Air-cooled Beetle all over the world.