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Topic: 03 beetle rear end issues.  (Read 2026 times)

Offline swagginjello

  • cleveland, tn
  • Joined: Oct 2007
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03 beetle rear end issues.

« on: March 17, 2009, 04:13:42 PM »
I've started to get cupping on my rear tires on my new beetle. and was wondering if anyone could point me to a good shop to see if my alignment in still within spec. also it has a little over 100,000 on it and probly needs new shocks/struts. should i change those first before i think about alignment.

Offline certdubtech

  • In the Garage...
  • Joined: May 2006
  • Posts: 3199

03 beetle rear end issues.

« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2009, 05:45:25 PM »
There is no real alignment adjustment for the rear of your car. The toe is fixed, and while You can loosen the rear axle beam mountings, and move it around for cross adjustments, but there is no "wear/factory" type adjustment, if that makes sense.  The shocks are your most likely culprit.  Also, regular tire rotations will usually keep this type of wear at bay.  i have never had this issue with my golf (essentially the same chassis as your beetle), and i rotate my tires every 5,000 miles with the oil change, and drive up and down the mountain roads daily, sliding like a little playful boy.  The last set of tires went almost 45000 milles, those were cheapees, and i had perfectly flat wear on them.  So, to recap.....
shocks, then rotate regularly, and don't call me in the morning.
 8)

And, air pressures.  watch the air pressures as well as they can accelerate the already present wear.

Offline swagginjello

  • cleveland, tn
  • Joined: Oct 2007
  • Posts: 170
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03 beetle rear end issues.

« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2009, 11:00:17 PM »
sounds good! ill get those shocks done as soon as i can scrape up the money, and probly 2 new tires... cause i really hate road noise.  anything else i should change while im in there.  im thinking axle bushings wouldnt be a bad idea since ill be back there.  :mrgreen:

Offline certdubtech

  • In the Garage...
  • Joined: May 2006
  • Posts: 3199

03 beetle rear end issues.

« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2009, 11:04:27 PM »
I'd probably pick up some new mounts and the rubber bumpers that go at the top.  mounts aren't necessary, but i have seen a few come apart/ make noise and if you're already there... and if it's all apart...you know the drill.

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