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Tue Oct 19, 2010 9:04 am

I have a friend with a Type 3 squareback. The front end is loose, with a lot of movement of the suspension arms. (Sorry, don't know all the lingo of these components yet.) What does it take to freshen up the front end, and are all the parts available (needle bearings, seals, other wear items)?

Tue Oct 19, 2010 9:24 am

You probably just need to adjust the upper torsion arm axial play. It's ALL Covered in the VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE MANUAL Type 3 1968 through 1973 Bentley Manual.

Tue Oct 19, 2010 11:58 am

Mike Fisher wrote: You probably just need to adjust the upper torsion arm axial play. It's ALL Covered in the VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE MANUAL Type 3 1968 through 1973 Bentley Manual.

And, if you don't want to buy the book just to loosen one set screw and tighten one bolt... go to the right front of the front beam assembly. Scrape off all the gunk and crap from the upper torsion arm. Loosen the setscrew- locknut on the top, and snug the 13mm bolt head staring at you straight on until there's no slack, about 18- 20 foot pounds. Tighten set screw. Lube 4 zerk fittings on front end until fresh grease comes out between the beam and trailing arms. Road test. Oh, there's a lockplate on the 13mm you'll need to bend.

You may need tie rods and ball joints but these are straightforward bolt- in operations.

Fri May 02, 2025 7:07 pm

I know this is years late so I hope you see this... My adjusting bolt is missing, do you know the thread by any chance I cant find it anywhere

Sat May 03, 2025 11:45 am

S.coppertop wrote: I know this is years late so I hope you see this... My adjusting bolt is missing, do you know the thread by any chance I cant find it anywhere

According to the parts book, it's an M8x1.25 by 20mm long.