TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:19 pm

Alright, so I haven't had my '73 beetle sedan very long; and the steering has always been a *little* loosey-goosey; but for the last few days my area has experienced high winds (40+mph) and driving my bug at freeway speeds has become downright scary!

My question is this: Do *all* beetles become psycho-kites when the wind picks up, or is this symptomatic of something wrong with my bug in particular?

Many thanks in advance,

Randy

Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:23 pm

I'm experienced with blowin', and the answer is keep both hands on the wheel.

The VW beetles do get blown around on windy days.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:25 pm

But also follow your Bentley procedure for steering box adjustment.

M

Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:36 pm

Drove my brother's baja home across the Salt Flats earlier this year in a 60+ Mph Wind storm. Psycho-kite doesn't even begin to describe what was going on. Too bad it wasn't a tail wind! :)

I don't even blink at 40 Mph winds anymore, I live at the base of a canyon, we get wind that speed all the time. It does cause some havoc with my beetle though.

Make sure you're steering box is adjusted correctly, and keep both hands on the wheel, and you'll be fine. Just be careful when passing Semi-Trucks!!! :D

Thu Nov 05, 2009 6:07 pm

Bugs are light - wind will push them around. You think that's bad? Try a bus some time! Similarly light weight, LOTS more sail area.

That being said, they're still safe to drive if you're careful, just don't expect them to handle wind like a car that's 2000 lbs heavier, and more aerodynamic.

Stray

Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:19 am

Many folks air up their tires to 32PSI. The beetle's recommended PSI is 18 front and 28 rear. ANYTHING over that and the car will be a handfull in the wind.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:14 am

Inspect all of your steering components for their condition and replace as necessary. I had the treat of driving my '73 Super when I bought it with a really worn front end and steering box combined with BIAS PLY tires. I would be driving down the road and in the blink of an eye I would be 2-3 feet to the left or right without moving the steering wheel. What fun! :lol:

Also, if you can get your hands on a Kamei spoiler, it will make a world of difference according to those that have then. I plan on installing one on my '73 when the restore is done.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:03 pm

I've driven my bug all up and down the coast of California and yes it can be wild. But in addition to checking the steering box and all of the steering linkages, make sure you check your wheel bearings too! Any extra play in the front will make the wind feel a lot worse.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:01 pm

Thanks for all the helpful advice. I'll have to white-knuckle it for a few more days until I have time to get under there and check things out.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:02 pm

bridges are especially fun

Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:21 pm

Wider tires help in the wind too. :) But simply driving slower on a windy day will help you stay on the road.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:48 pm

Once I was driving on I-5 in California, when a blast of Santa Ana winds caught the Beetle next to me and deposited him in front of my car. A deck of cards would barely fit between our bumpers.

Sometimes it can be like driving a bag of potato chips. :shock:

Pat (66foot)

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:51 pm

Correct tire pressures will help.