1970 bug clutch problem?

rashidz · #1 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 09:56 AM

Hi, new to the forum and to beetles. Looks to be like a great community forum. Anyways, I have a 1970 which recently just stopped moving. Everytime I engage a gear, it engages with the clutch and without the clutch but does not move. Does that mean the clutch is completely worn out or there is something else wrong, like tranny gone bad? Just before the clutch stopped grabbing, it was making a terrible grinding noise and now there is no movement whatsoever. How many miles does any OE replacement clutch give you(on average) because this is a relatively "new" clutch, as in it was replaced about 15k miles ago. Also, sorry if sounds like a stupid question, does the tranny on the bug have a fluid clutch cylinder? Any help ideas would greatly appreciate, thanks! and sorry for my ignorance

derf · #2 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rashidz

Just before the clutch stopped grabbing, it was making a terrible grinding noise and now there is no movement whatsoever.

Welcome to the world of VW's.

Sounds like the classic case of stripped rear drum. pop the hubcaps and watch the axle nut when you put it in gear, I'll bet one side will be spinning.if it is time for new drum as the splines inside the drum are gone. Was rear brake work just done? The rear axle nuts have to be torqued to ~215#~ or so.
And no clutch slave or master,it is cable driven.
derf

rashidz · #3 (**permalink**) 04-23-2009, 01:23 AM

Thanks, really appreciate your response and welcome. As far as I know it, there hasnt been any work done to the drums since I had it. I havent disassembled the drums yet but will and ill check for movement when in gear. How difficult of a job is it to actually take the drum off, does the inner and outter bearings have to come out? How much will a set of drums set me back? Is this a common problem in beetles or just my darn luck? Anything else I should replace while I got the drum off? Thanks again for your response!

derf · #4 (**permalink**) 04-23-2009, 11:57 AM

The drum is ~$50(USD)~ a 36 MM socket and cheater bar are required to remove drum. The bearings stay on the stub axle and do not come out with the drum.
It is common for the uninformed who work on these VW's and don't realize that the axle torque is 215# or so

But make sure that is what the problem really is

rashidz · #5 (**permalink**) 04-23-2009, 02:46 PM

I believe that is the problem because upon quick inspection while the bug jacked up, turned the wheel and it turns but the axle doesnt spin with the wheel.I guess ill be replacing it then. Didnt have much time to do more except that. I guess yea the chill who worked on it last didnt torque to proper specs. Ill definately have more time in the next couple of days tho. Thanks again for the replies. HUGE help!