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Fri Mar 18, 2011 3:22 pm

I just got another bug and the front end has a shimmy in it.
I think it may be a steering Stabilizer problem but not sure.
It's 72 super beetle. I didn't see anything broke and plan to replace tires and align front end. It may just be that but I don't think so.
My other bug (71) had bad tires and needed an alignment and did not shimmy like this one does. Any suggestions?

Fri Mar 18, 2011 3:49 pm

with mine I basically had to replace the entire front end. But, it doesn't shimmy now!

Lets hope your steering box is ok!

Fri Mar 18, 2011 4:23 pm

BajaChamp wrote: I just got another bug and the front end has a shimmy in it.
I think it may be a steering Stabilizer problem but not sure.
It's 72 super beetle. I didn't see anything broke and plan to replace tires and align front end. It may just be that but I don't think so.
My other bug (71) had bad tires and needed an alignment and did not shimmy like this one does. Any suggestions?

There are a lot of post on this subject, just use the search function using the term shimmy.
I am also suffering with this problem but almost have it fixed.
Good luck

Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:22 pm

In my 73, I changed the struts and the bushings and it drives like a champ. I also built a strut support rod. It goes inside the trunk area from top of one strut mount to the other. Improved cornering tremendously.

Sat Mar 19, 2011 1:18 am

Go to www.toplineparts.com thy are the best place for parts & advice for supers. thy have A list of parts on their site that thy recommend changing at one time.. all the parts thy sell are available on other sites, but the guys at topline only sell the best parts thy can git! and thy tell you were the parts are made. thy have the best customer service you well ever find! hands down.. thy love supers & know how to make them work.

Sat Mar 19, 2011 1:29 am

Just watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sLSAz2gPBY

Sat Mar 19, 2011 2:17 am

On 72 and 71 S.B. this is a common problem and is usually attributed to the idler arm bushing .
So much in fact that they sell a special idler arm bushing to solve the problem .
Even if your entire front end is rebuilt the usual is 3-4 years of runnin and right back to the shimmy and shake .
Seek out C.B. Performance as these guy's sell a idler arm bushing that it suppose to solve the problem permanantly .
Yupp ?
Your welcome ! :twisted:
Sean

Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:12 am

Before you replace anything, have your tires balanced and road forced! Also, check your tire pressure! YOu only want 19-20 psi in the fronts! My 72 SB had a bad case of the shakes (Everything worn-out in front end) and I balanced my front tires and set the pressure to 20psi, shimmy almost completely gone! I'm still replacing the front end becuase I know it needs it, but I'd get your tires checked first!

-Nick-

Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:46 am

candymustang65 wrote: On 72 and 71 S.B. this is a common problem and is usually attributed to the idler arm bushing .
So much in fact that they sell a special idler arm bushing to solve the problem .
Even if your entire front end is rebuilt the usual is 3-4 years of runnin and right back to the shimmy and shake .
Seek out C.B. Performance as these guy's sell a idler arm bushing that it suppose to solve the problem permanantly .
Yupp ?
Your welcome ! :twisted:
Sean

Sean - I finally understood one of your posts.

On my 1971 SB, I did the idler bushinh, 4 tie rod ends, and 2 front bushings to fix it, about a decade ago.

Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:16 pm

I've been driving a 74 that recently started shaking at low acceleration around 35-40 miles per hour. I thought it was a balancing issue - I took it in & had the wheels balanced and rotated - no improvement at all. It still shakes. Is this what you guys are calling 'shimmy'?

I am not sure what my next step is, this is my daily driver and I'm worried that I'll end up doing some more grievous harm driving it like it is but I am at a loss as to what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:24 pm

replace the bushing im sure is going to end yours shimmis

Sun Mar 20, 2011 6:15 pm

Well good for you Cusser glad to see your finally gettin up to speed ?
Now letts work on cohmprehension skill's and the ability to retain what youve read .
71 and 72 S.B. are different than the 73 and up S.B.
71 and 72 Supers have an inherent problem with the idler arm bushing that causes a front end shimmy .
In fact the problem is so persistant with these model car's that a company has researched and developed a special bushing to help prevent the problem from re- occurring .
Im merely suggesting that it might in all probability be the way to go when rebuilding your 71 or 72 S.B. ?
Sean

Sun Mar 20, 2011 6:55 pm

candymustang65 wrote: Well good for you Cusser glad to see your finally gettin up to speed ?
Now letts work on cohmprehension skill's and the ability to retain what youve read .
71 and 72 S.B. are different than the 73 and up S.B.
71 and 72 Supers have an inherent problem with the idler arm bushing that causes a front end shimmy .
In fact the problem is so persistant with these model car's that a company has researched and developed a special bushing to help prevent the problem from re- occurring .
Im merely suggesting that it might in all probability be the way to go when rebuilding your 71 or 72 S.B. ?
Sean

I have a 72 super and agree with this. The only thing I would add is that if replacing the idler arm bushing with the new improved ones, to also replace all the other bushings, too. Otherwise, you'll be replacing the idler bushing again as it takes the brunt of things when other parts are marginal.

Mon Mar 21, 2011 1:55 am

dcnjoe60 wrote: candymustang65 wrote: Well good for you Cusser glad to see your finally gettin up to speed ?
Now letts work on cohmprehension skill's and the ability to retain what youve read .
71 and 72 S.B. are different than the 73 and up S.B.
71 and 72 Supers have an inherent problem with the idler arm bushing that causes a front end shimmy .
In fact the problem is so persistant with these model car's that a company has researched and developed a special bushing to help prevent the problem from re- occurring .
Im merely suggesting that it might in all probability be the way to go when rebuilding your 71 or 72 S.B. ?
Sean

I have a 72 super and agree with this. The only thing I would add is that if replacing the idler arm bushing with the new improved ones, to also replace all the other bushings, too. Otherwise, you'll be replacing the idler bushing again as it takes the brunt of things when other parts are marginal.

The change in the front suspension came on the 74 models, in aug 73, I think you should lump the first year 1303 with the 1302s with regards to the idler arm deficiency. I had the shimmies and a sloppy idler arm bushing, replaced it, no improvement! Then I did the steering damper, it was mushy, but no improvement with a new one! Then I did the tie rods, a little improvement. Finally, I had a shop take off all 4 wheels, find the best ones for the front axle and balance them on the car, that cured it up to 100 kph. But I still think there may be some residual problem in the inner track control arm bushings, so thats the next on the list.

This seems to be a symptom that may have a number of causes, any one of them may not be the only culprit!

Mon Mar 21, 2011 8:11 am

Yes in addition new strut's and carefull attention to the turning plates .
little clean up and lithium grease goes a long way's with turning plates .
Check for rough swivel etc.
New bushing's/ tie rod's and sett the toe .
Fairly simple front end but will require a Mc Phearson strut tool to collapse the spring etc . to install strut cartridges and address the swivel plates .
I just bought one having lost my last one due to old and strippage etc.
Napa Auto sell's a descent one for 100 buck's .
Sean

Tue Mar 22, 2011 6:09 am

I would bring it into a shop for the alignment. You have to set camber too.