Diagonal Arm Removal and R&R

[Tim Donahoe]

Has anyone here actually done this procedure?

I read my Bently and they show all these weird tools and precedures that make me paranoid to check out my rear bearings.

Is it as difficult as it looks?

(I have a little play when pushing/pulling at 6 and 12 o'clock (wheels off ground).

Tim

[Tim Donahoe]

I should have mentioned that I have a 1974 Super Beetle.

Tim

[Joel]

You don't need to remove the trailing arm to replace the bearings,

Just pop the drum off and undo the outer CV joint so the stub axle can be pulled out.

The outer bearing just has the seal housing with the 4 bolts holding it and the inner bearing has a circlip you will need to remove first.

There are slots for driving both the bearing outer races out with a drift.

[Tim Donahoe]

So the Bently procedure--where they take the diagonal arm completely out of the car is incorrect? Both bearings can be removed with the spring plates, shocks--the whole diagonal arm still attached?

Why on earth would they show the need for such a lengthy and involved procedure for rear bearing R&R?

Tim

[Busdriver79]

Don't always go by the Bentley book...Sometimes just using some common sense it all it takes to figure out these simple little cars...Most things are pretty straightforward...I use my Bentley for reference before tackling any big job, but I don't consider it as the absolute last word and gospel.

[Joel]