TheSamba.com :: View topic - Link Pin Spacers

Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:15 am

Hi Lads,

Would anyone of ye know how many spacers (originally) should be in each link pin in the front suspension? I think there should be 10 of these washers, but can ye confirm that?

Thanks!

Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:38 am

8 on each link pin
10 was pre 60

Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:27 am

I just went through this and screwed up first time. If you are using the o-rings and o-ring retainers on the link pins you use 8. These are the same width as 2 shims. If you are not, you use 10.

Notice that A and C differ by 2 shims on the 2 charts - thats where the O-rings go ifyou have them.

Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:40 am

HerrrKafer wrote: 8 on each link pin
10 was pre 60
Thank you.
That shuld be OK then, as there are 8 of them and the Bug is 1962.

Sun Aug 24, 2008 1:56 pm

But if using 8 - you have to have the o-rings and o-ring retainers - the difference in the number of shims is because at some point VW started using O-rings. Mine is a 65 and so I used 8 shims, BUT I didn't have the o-rings. That is where I screwed up - I put in 10 shims and all is well.....

Sun Aug 23, 2009 9:22 am

Mines a 60 and I'm using 8 shims + O-ring and the O-ring retainer. The problem I'm having is that the link pins are not going in deep enough for the pinch bolts to go in. WTF?

I'm aware of the o-rings retainer notch and is set right.

Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:02 pm

Where could a guy find these washers in different thickness as I appear to be missing mine on my 60'. I've read that the setting plays an important part in how the steering returns to center, which mine does not.

Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:54 pm

tirekicker wrote: Mines a 60 and I'm using 8 shims + O-ring and the O-ring retainer. The problem I'm having is that the link pins are not going in deep enough for the pinch bolts to go in. WTF?

I'm aware of the o-rings retainer notch and is set right.

Have you tried turning the end of the link pin with a 14mm wrench and press in on the pinch bolt until it goes thru and tighten up the link pins and pinch bolts?

Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:13 am

lovethatconvertable wrote: Where could a guy find these washers in different thickness as I appear to be missing mine on my 60'. I've read that the setting plays an important part in how the steering returns to center, which mine does not.

They're all the same thickness. The quantity of the shims used on either side of the knuckle is determined by measuring the offset between the upper and lower control arm faces. The total is to be 8 with retainers, 10 without.

Mon Aug 24, 2009 4:07 pm

lovethatconvertable wrote: Where could a guy find these washers in different thickness as I appear to be missing mine on my 60'. I've read that the setting plays an important part in how the steering returns to center, which mine does not.

It is important that these NOT be different thicknesses. The shims are set by what the measurement is between the trailing arm faces. If you use different thickness shims, you will get that distance all wrong.

The shims also control camber at the front wheel. This has little to do with the steering wheel coming back to straight. That is more a function of caster then camber.

On a stock ride height bug, caster is set by the factory and can not be adjusted. But if you change the ride height and lower the front of the car in relation to the rear, you reduce the amount of caster. This reduces the cars ability to have the wheel come back to straight.

To correct this short coming, you need to install caster shims between the frame head and lower torsion bar tube of the front beam.

Mon Aug 24, 2009 4:41 pm

Dr. Scope-- As far as I know my bug has a refreshed stock height front beam. I've installed a new WW steering box with new pitman arm, new tie rods. But when the car is on a level surface the tires and wheel appear to be slanting in on the top. The car goes down the road straight with little play in the steering wheel but stiff to turn and I have to help it return to center. I don't plan on lowering the 60' at all. So I thought the above measurements might be off. Any Thoughts?

Sat Apr 03, 2010 12:06 pm

HerrrKafer wrote: 8 on each link pin
10 was pre 60

I know its an old thread but i need some help. How do i figure out which series of shims I need? By this I mean how do i know which offset? I have a 65 with a 6" narrowed beam with cb drop spindles and no o-ring, so im running 10 shims. Which offset would I go off of?

Sat Apr 03, 2010 2:51 pm

If you are using ten shims , use the ten shim chart.

Sat Apr 03, 2010 3:30 pm

anyone have a picture of these o'rings and retainers??

Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:06 pm

Teeroy wrote: If you are using ten shims , use the ten shim chart.

I know which chart to use, im curious as to which variation of the shims I should use. Each offset has a different variation, how do I determine my offset?

Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:45 pm

The 8 shims, o-ring and the o-ring retainer will only work with '60 and later torsion arms. The torsion arm face has a groove that the retainer sits into. Also, the retainer has a bump where it lines up and fits into the split in the torsion arm. Earlier torsion arms faces are flat.

How to measure off set:

Sat Apr 03, 2010 8:56 pm

5591, i just checked and reset mine on my 65 link pin last week. i removed ten shims, but 65 calls for 8. i used 8 per the lower chart but still have some pos. camber. i do not have o-rings in my front assy. this is the first i have heard of them. i do have the extra shims that i removed, so you are saying use the top chart if i do not have the o-rings installed. the year of my beam and control arms is unknown.
thanks
jd

Sun Apr 04, 2010 3:09 am

The O-rings are the same as 2 shims........If no O-ring - put 2 shims in that location. If yuo compare the charts - you'll see where they used more shims on the early ones inplace of the O-ring.

Sun Apr 04, 2010 10:07 am

just out of curiousity, why are there so many different offsets? Is it possible the I could have different offsets on each side if my torsion arms have ever been swapped out?

Sun Apr 04, 2010 1:31 pm

There are so many because of manufacturing variances. Yes both sides could be different even if its all original. Make sure you measure both sides.