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Should swing axle boots be airtight?
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Marfa61KG
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 9:14 am    Post subject: Should swing axle boots be airtight? Reply with quote

I have replaced the swing axle boots on my 61 Ghia. It's still on the lift. If I squeeze the boot I can hear air escaping out. Should these things be airtight or is that not possible? The screws and seam are at about 2:00 with respect to the transaxle.

Rob
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John Moxon Premium Member
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 9:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

As long as you maintain the joint at the 2o'clock position and the clamps at both ends tight, you should be OK.
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andk5591
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Suggest you get the axles level (one at a time) and with the small end loose, push the boot toward the tranny about 1/2", then tighten it. Your big concern is not having it seated well on the big flange. When they hang down, the top wants to pull away. Never checked for airtight, so I dont know what to tell you.
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Marfa61KG
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great! Thanks for the tips. I had the wheels jacked up with full weight when I tightened the bands. Pushed them in a little bit first as you suggested.

I'm doing wheel bearings and seals and brakes while it is up in the air. Man those wheel bearings are a pain. I tried the Idiot's guide trick with the bolts but could not get it to work. I finally broke down and bought a $200 bearing puller by SIR Tools. Easy and expensive solution...
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retrowagen
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If the boots were airtight when installed, heat generated by the axles and transaxle would cause the air trapped inside to expand, popping said boots. So, even if they were installed airtight, they wouldn't be for long.
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andk5591
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Agree on the bearings - What I did (being cheap) was used an angle grinder and ground 3 divits in the outer race. Put a 3 jaw puller on with a big hose clamp around it to hold it tight. First side took at least an hour - second side maybe 15 minutes..
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D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...
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