Installing a new rubber for my shocks

[rdk_1973]

I have an early 51 split that still uses the following construction for the shock absorber:

The rubber from part 37 (link eye for shock absorder - part 11 512 419) is completely worn out.

Does anyone know where to order a new one? I have a repair manual from a 1952 model and it already has a different construction, so I guess it will be hard to find. I guess the next best option is to install new rubber in the existing part?
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VW Split Beetle (1950)

[Martin Southwell]

Jacek in Poland sells them for around 7 euros:

http://ww2vw.com/rubber-bushings-for-rear-shock-absorber/

Simple enough to change, and reuse the central metal spacer bush.

[Hawker]

He’s out of stock. I tried to purchase some last week. I am going to try locally and then publish the part number on here.

BR,

Rob

[rdk_1973]

[rdk_1973]

[Martin Southwell]

Hello again. The parts manual diagram you replicate further up the page isn't very clear when it comes to understanding what's going on with the lever shocker rubber bushes.

The eye bolt shown as item 37 doesn't show a rubber bush or sleeve running through it, and you could be forgiven for thinking that it either it doesn't have this, or that it comes as a complete unit, and has to be replaced as one unit.

If I look in my parts manual, it states that you need 4 of these rubber bushes 111-413-381 for a car, and so implies that there is no difference between top and bottom bushes. Experience tells me that this isn't always true, especially at the eye bolt end of things.

I've collected many different lever shocker parts and bushes over the years, and differences do exist, particularly with the rubber bushes themselves, as you can see below.

In my view, it's best to have bushes with a thrust face on them if possible, (See end of lever, middle left, in 2nd picture) so as to minimise sideways movement, with the proviso that these are 1) Lubricated with silicone grease on assembly, & 2) Not pinched tightly against the inner faces of the double U shaped links (or double strap of later splits), so that they aren't pinched, and allow for some movement.

You can see from the eyebolt in your picture at the top of the page, that this rubber face has worn away, and is allowing a greater degree of sideways movement than is desirable, and isn't helping the driving characteristics of the car.

[rdk_1973]