Help! Previously overloaded bug now clunks!

[M.C. Mahon]

Help! I had some friends out visiting, and the four of us were riding around in my 73 bug. A couple times when we would go over bumps or dips in the road, we could hear some rubbing sounds in the back. I think it was the body coming down on the big p225 tires in the back.

So after doing this for a couple days, I noticed that there is a clunking sound coming from the back. It only happens when I'm moving, and is especially bad going around corners. From what I've read so far, I think the CV joints or bearings are the problem.

I checked under the car and there is about 1.5 inches of "in and out" play in the "rods" that turn the back wheels.

My questions are thus:

1. How serious is this?? Am I going to lose a wheel if I don't get it fixed tomorrow?

2. Does anyone think that it might not be the CV joints (or bearings)?

3. Could someone give me a ballpark estimate of what I can expect to pay for this sort of work?

Needless to say, the boys are walking, hitchhiking, and catching the bus now. Maybe they'll rent a car next time.

Thanks in advance to anyone for their insight.

Mike

[Pete S]

Hi Mike,

Check the wheel bearings. They would make a grinding noise, especially while cornering. This requires the removal of the rear drums. Unless you have the tools to do this, I'd suggest taking it to a trusted mechanic/shop.
Relatively inexpensive.

Pete S

[JordanK]

The 1.5 inches of play is normal, and is not related to your problem. The CV's may indeed be bad, but the play in the axle isnt' anything to worry about. check and see if the rubber suspensions stops are still on top of the rear trailing arms. if they break off you could be hitting metal on metal when you load the suspension hard. But, it could be bearings also. Bad shocks might also clunk when you loaded them. Just some ideas.


------------------
Jordan
1963 Beetle, 5 spokes, 1776, dropped spindles, etc...
1973 AutoStick Beetle, stock.