VW Beetle Rear IRS Bearings - Quite a job!!

VW Beetle IRS Rear Bearings replacement How To. How to check and how to replace. Also CV joint removal.
Hi Everyone! In this 1969 VW Beetle episode, we are replacing the rear bearings - inner and outer. The is an IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) and not a Swing Axle car (first year I believe). The old bearings were shot - maybe not as bad as the fronts, but still loose and worn. It is a bit of work, but straight forward enough. The brakes will be coming up :)
Enjoy!
#vwbeetle #classicbeetle #beetlebrakerepair
The VW Torque Multiplier too for rear-wheel nut: amzn.to/3besSiq
The Ring Plier kit: amzn.to/3gDDw33
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Due to factors beyond the control of “Heidi and Franny’s Garage”, We cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. “Heidi and Franny’s Garage” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. “Heidi and Franny’s Garage”recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of “Heidi and Franny’s Garage”, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not “Heidi and Franny’s Garage”.
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[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Everyone! In this 1969 VW Beetle episode, we are replacing the rear bearings - inner and outer. The is an IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) and not a Swing Axle car (first year I believe). The old bearings were shot - maybe not as bad as the fronts, but still loose and worn. It is a bit of work, but straight forward enough. The brakes will be coming up :) Enjoy! The VW Torque Multiplier too for rear-wheel nut: amzn.to/3besSiq The Ring Plier kit: amzn.to/3gDDw33 The Star/Triple Square/Spline Drive toolset: amzn.to/31DUHxk Seal Puller: amzn.to/2EPxT4y Rubber Mallet: amzn.to/2ENIBJ6 High Temp Bearing Grease: amzn.to/32IA5U5

[@MrAVERAGEJOEAMERICAN]

Help. where did you get the axle multiplier and rear bearing seal kits????

[@ArthurSmallidge]

I recently bought a 1974 Super Beetle, and these videos have been extremely helpful. Thank you so much. I also like how Franny smiles at the camera before cuts.

[@tomdunigan234]

You are a great mechanic and teacher.

[@lapinchiloca]

Lesson No 1 from my engineering design course. NEVER HAMMER A BALL BEARING!

[@jacobroch]

Opps

[@jhauschild]

You are absolutely awesome! I’m building a “street rail”. I purchased an old sand rail and I’m replacing everything. This is my first VW bug mechanical experience. So…. I’ve been surfing the crap out of KZbin for instructional stuff. So far you and your work has been the easiest to follow. Pleasant to watch too. Thank you!

[@michelecrown2426]

Your attention to detail and explaining everything so thoroughly is awesome. And as always the filming is the best. Can't wait for the next installment.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

That torque multiplier tool is very cool...thanks for showing us that.

[@paulmallery6719]

Add 10 percent for gear and bearing losses

[@callefalk4457]

Get a PARTSWASHER!!!

[@jeraldmolnar6026]

Heidi/Franny, I am rebuilding this component right now. Your video is my bible....so glad you made it. Can't thank you enough!! I use diesel fuel for cleaning. Low volatility ,but works well. Then brake cleaner or carburetor cleaning (gunk) fluid.

[@TheGlottis]

Wow this is a great video, easy to follow and you explain eveything in a simple way, and i just love it when you americans say "smutsss" =)

[@robertallen1662]

Very detailed, exactly what I needed. Thanks!!!

[@djjonnybong]

I think I've watched this 5 times. I'll watch it another few to make sure. Thanks for sharing ya knowledge 🙏

[@djjonnybong]

Beck\arnley has fantastic rear seal kit with all of em.

[@travismunden8250]

As always...fantastic! These videos are great for knowledge and the confidence to tackle needed repairs.Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rippermcguinn]

If you like cars and how they work - even if you don't have that particular car - then these are the best videos on You Tube, hands down.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much!!

[@mikemeer8947]

Probably one the best VW tutorial. !!!

[@edfox6921]

I love your videos. Thanks for being so detailed.

[@electronictim007]

Direct. Concise. Succinct. Excellent work and explanation!

[@dalemccraw9388]

This was a lifesaver video for me doing an IRS conversion. Thank you very much.

[@akhtarkh]

Excellent tutorial as well as videography. Thanks for sharing your wealth of VW experience.

[@An84maro]

Your videos are so imformational. Thanks so much for taking the time to film these

[@Johans60]

This video is very well done, good and clear explanation, and a lot of tool tip as well.

[@blackdrumroasters277]

Thanks Franny, your explanation is excellent ! Everything we all need to get the job done.

[@johnnewcomb1128]

Thanks for a well made video. Your right the right tools make it easier. I'm going to use that old bearing trick to set the new ones. Peace

[@lollypop9580]

Very good and informative Vidéo... As always, thank You for all the work... Wish You the best. 👍

[@gutshotgriz3936]

Awesome step by step. Thanks for sharing.

[@robdelany7636]

Great vid. I'm about to start this on my 356 replica build and you just nailed every aspect of doing this for me. Thank you.

[@Kevrock900]

Grinding down the old bearing was a clever idea, thank you.

[@malkucken]

Excellent video, clear instructions, great camera work! Thank you for posting!

[@HeidiandFranny]

You are welcome!

[@russellbryan2288]

Starting to get used to seeing Franny without her visor! Always enjoy the videos and looking forward to the next.

[@richlijacanacua]

Awesome job! Thanks for the step by steps demonstrations. It helps a lot to fix the wheel ear bearing of my 1302 Super beetle.

[@wilsonsall]

What a huge job. So complicated. Great video.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yeah, a lot of little fiddly parts have to be removed just to get to them. Otherwise not hard, just intensive. I just machined some parts down to fit the very same VW axles into a custom go kart trailing arms. I just put that mess together today... lol... and this video popped up in my feed!

[@jimle2252]

Pretty good tutorial. I did them a while back like 5 years ago but forgot it a little. Thanks.

[@shannonmikus550]

"Schmutzy"? Been a while since I heard that and think that it needs to come back. Thank you for walking through this process so completely!

[@Milkshake_dub]

Thanks for the tips...an oldie but a goodie! Still look back on this video even though I've changed countless VW Wheel Bearings. Very Thorough and detailed...Great Job Franny!

[@mikereyes8958]

Outstanding video! Exactly what I needed to watch. Thank you for taking the time to record this.

[@HeidiandFranny]

You bet! Glad it was helpful!

[@butkis1972]

Love your videos. I'm watching this one for the 2nd time...finally have all my parts in, so installing tomorrow. Great detail. Very helpful for a new bug resto person...74 super beetle. Thank you!

[@volkmarmaleika1623]

Hey FRANNY GREAT VIDEO I just renewed and lubed my 70 SqrBk chassis. Your videos helped me, THANK YOU... I cleaned parts using carburetor solvent. VW

[@DavidMartin-mz8jj]

Hi Franny and Heidi, thank you for another great well explained video. Love them all.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much!

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

I love your upbeat attitude.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks!

[@ericamidon6229]

I just love love watching your video's

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much!

[@eskamobob8662]

Lol. Seriously l. Have done this job over a dozen times and know it pretty intimently. I still watched the whole video

[@67231ylua]

Can't say thanks enough for this video!! I referred to it many times while replacing bearings. It helped me tremendously!! Thank you very, very much. I will now refer to your other videos when I start a job.

[@v1rotait23]

Love your work ladies. Superb editing and and instruction for those who love working on their old cars. I just really find Franny quite therapeutic to watch and listen to. If only I had a a 911 Carrera and a VW Beetle, or preferably a VW Kombi Kamper... In the meantime, I'll settle for having 100s of classic 911 photos and owning a LEGO red VW Kombi Kamper! :)

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much!

[@geofferyc4080]

😮 you’re the one that took my Tupperware😂😂😂😊👍🏾

[@kylestewart9313]

You are one Kool lady. Great video all the way around. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@trevcessna1723]

Great video! I removed the trailing arms during the body off restoration and have started to change the bushings, then after paint I will be doing this operation, so thanks for the detailed explanation!

[@joseprado1972]

Awesome video,you explained every single detail. You Rock!!!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much!

[@davyboscart1089]

This is a tutorial! Verry nice... 👍🇧🇪

[@bruceoliviersr5144]

Thanks, this is just what I needed. I haven't owned a VW in 40 years and recently bought one to restore and was having trouble figuring out which way the spacers/bearings went and you explained it perfectly.

[@mickeycarlson1748]

Another informative video! Thanks for helping us out!!

[@brianjames3567]

Very well done video! Keep up the good work!

[@johnspecht72]

Franny your videos are excellent for home mechanics no matter what they are working on. For people like myself who take their vehicles to garages it helps them to know what to look for and to understand what their mechanic is telling them. Overall the more informed you are the better decisions that you make. On a personal level these videos are great for my mental health. Your calm and understanding nature makes these videos a highlight of my day and that feeling lasts long after I have watched the video. I feel that I am being overcompensated for the patreon funds I provide. Thank you to both you and Heidi for your excellent work!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much John. I always look forward to your wonderful and thoughtful comments. I hope you are doing well :)

[@LithiumSix66]

Fantastic explanation. Thank you!

[@crazzzysean800]

absolutely brilliant guide, Thank U!!!

[@stevehennessy3588]

Thank you for this video. I'm redoing the whole break system for my '63 Bug and this is fantastic information. Watching and doing are two different things, but it helps to have the info in my head as I attempt to do all the steps. I keep taking two steps forward and one step back, but I'm doing it. Thanks again!

[@antaklugom1778]

Nice technical Documentary on the Vw IRS Bearings Replacement. I love this....!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks!

[@NickMurray]

I see a Heidi and Franny video and I like!

[@HeidiandFranny]

I see a Nick Murray and I like :)

[@callefalk4457]

Get a partswaser

[@VictorGomez-li2pe]

I just want to say thank you for your excellent instructions on removing and replacing the rear bearings on my VW. Filming was excellent and you walk the viewer in way that is easy to follow. I was very hesitant to attempt this messy job, but I was successful given your video.

[@dennisduina6260]

I swear, I love you. From Italy ❤️

[@2183fishboy]

This tutorial was awesome, and allowed me to do the bearings and brakes on my own 69. Back in June as a new Beetle owner I didn't know much about working on cars at all. Now, thanks in large part to your videos, I'm doing jobs I never thought I could do myself. Thank you!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Oh wow! That's so great! Congrats on your new car :) I hope you enjoying working on them as much as I do. So glad the videos are helpful! F

[@tommyestridge9301]

Superb job as usual explaning a complex job in easy to understand steps. LOVE that torque multiplier tool, one of the neatest tools I have ever seen.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much!

[@jeraldmolnar6026]

Heidi, your expertise is wonderful and so very much appreciated. I was hesitant to address mine, but your info has done much to "rein in" my fears. Thank you!!

[@pacificovw9522]

You are right to emphasize to do the job with the right tools, it will save you time and headaches. A good step by step video.

[@leonardodiaz935]

Hi everyone, Im new to this wv Beatle world lol.but your videos has really helped me on fixing my first dune buggy you also have a very special way of explaining everything.....thank you much.

[@palongee1]

Great Video! Super helpful! Thank you.

[@billlucas8124]

came across this video as I'm in the process of refurbishing my rear arms, they are heading to the blasters to be stripped, going to rebuild them with all new bearings etc. subbed because of the quality of the video.

[@jeromejohnson1954]

I am a 72 year old gay man who is just getting into watching anything to do with my first car (long gone) a 1967 VW beetle. You and your partner are just amazing and fun and informative to watch! Love YA!

[@sktaylor99]

Your videos are the most useful I have ever found for the Beetle. I have had several over almost 40 years but thanks to this video it is the first time I have totally stripped the rear hubs and bearings on one. Thank you so much for your help.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Oh, great! So glad they are helpful :)

[@jasonmcmillen106]

I just stumbled across your site! I love your style and how much to walk though the work you are doing. Ill be watching your feed much more now!!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks! And welcome :)

[@malcolmscott4150]

Just brilliant work - I am really enjoying the vw content on such a nice car :)

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much!

[@cms_powerschool]

Great video. My daughter and I plan to overhaul the rear end of my late father's 72 bug over Christmas holiday. Thank you for this as it will make things much less nerve-wracking...

[@tomgcolemangoplayer]

Well done, your editing makes it so efficient! I was going to tease about the tools at 13:30 where the first tool is for opening rings, not compressing, but looks like it's one of those all in one reversible tools. You're just too good :)

[@stewartsmith1947]

Great, detailed video. THKS !

[@darrinanderson1327]

Excellent video. I'm doing the rear bearings and brakes on my '69 right now. I don't have that nifty seal removal tool, but a 2 foot prybar gave me plenty of leverage to pop them out.

[@simoping]

don't know why but i love this lady... great viewing. thankyou from the UK

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks!

[@abernathymonsoon4638]

Nice to see you, Franny! Another superb tutorial. I understand it's a labor of love, but the patience you have is insane, however very well admired!!! =)

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much! :)

[@zendher]

you make these difficult things seem easy.

[@crafty32168]

I am working on a sand rail buggy that my son bought, doing the same things to it. Your videos really help me alot and explain everything in detail, Thankyou very much. "I also lost an hour looking for another spacer that was the inner part of the bearing", LOL.

[@davemitchell6281]

you saved my life LOL great mechanic

[@romandolan7809]

Thanks Franny, your the dogs! Another great “how to”, you now have the number one and two spots in my fave videos. According to my Haynes the torque on the bearing cover bolts is 43ftlbs. I use various degreasers and a slosh bucket with lid.Mainly use acetone for just metal parts, also brake and carb cleaner and elbow grease etc.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Ahh great!! Thanks! I'm going to have to get a proper manual if this car comes back much more ;)

[@BillyJohnson-be9kb]

this video helped so much... thankyou!

[@sathindrensanthirathelagan]

Somehow your handiwork is more delicate and elegant - another great one

[@HeidiandFranny]

Wow, thank you!

[@thestorey]

This was fantastic. Thank you.

[@jackneve3080]

Great episode, loved the torque multiplier. On another note, I finally got around to putting the LED ribbons on my lift, a Backyard Buddy, which I bought in 1998 and was lucky enough to be able to use the inner vertical surfaces so the light goes both up and down. Definitely works on muffler installation. Love the show watch you on the big screen (65") By the way I have a 1998 boxster from new, with the speedster humps and only 19000 miles on it . Thanks and keep them coming, Jack Neve

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks!

[@kraigsass3820]

Thank you for another great installment! Your videos are the exactly level of detail needed for the weekend mechanic.... Now... if you'd just do one on installing a Porsche 914 engine in a VW dune buggy... Thanks again and keep the videos coming!!!

[@keitholson6744]

I have a parts washer that I use mostly diesel and a dash of greased lightning degreaser works excellent I think your tub is perfect for your available garage space. Awesome video btw

[@ace871984]

Just ordered my Torque Multiplier! Thanks!! Been dreading that castle nut for a few weeks now... Not so much anymore! :-) Another great video! Loving them over here in Sydney Australia!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Oh, that's great! Also perfect for that Flywheel bolt as well. Yea!

[@nitrosavy]

Most of those rear bearings have a tiny bit of play it’s completely normal. The tapered roller bearing is for side thrust and the roller bearing is for vertical thrust loading. Obviously wiggling it by hand is not going to tell you the amount of play, you will need the wheel on and the castle nut torqued up to 250 pounds/foot. If you have excessive movement I have heard some guys turning a couple of thou off the centre spacer in a lathe to eradicate the play, but not sure I like that idea, excessive play after replacing them is more likely to be caused by crappy after market bearings. Love your vids, thanks for the content, great attention to detail.

[@1bmwrider]

I have a parts washer but there is usually stuff piled on it so I use a small tub and gasoline. Love the videos

[@wernerdanler2742]

From the changes of shirts in the video I'd say you did this job over several days. That's actually a good thing. Keeps you from getting worn out and frustrated. I usually have only one car at a time so have to finish what I start, or at least used to. Retired now so don't need a reliable work car. I've never done bearings on the drive axles. You made it look fairly straight forward. Like you said, you need to have the right tools for the job.

[@danielneuenschwander7381]

Franny and Heidi : investing in a good solvent tank with a pump & nozzle as well as a good bead blaster enclosure has been key for my work on vehicles.

[@coopaust78]

Thanks so much! Very useful!

[@robertallen1662]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@volkmarmaleika1623]

YOU DID A GREAT JOB... THANKS My name is VW that is what folks around me call me... and YES I am restoring a 70 typ3... I am working on renewing my rear axles and brakes right now... YOUR VIDEO SURE HELPED A LOT, THANKS

[@timjones6255]

Great to see a couple of tools I don’t yet own! I once decided to take my VW to the professionals to have the rear bearing done quickly. Soon after I noticed fluid dripping from the drum and had to do the job again myself, finding they had pinched the seal. It’s a tricky job and needs patience and the time and love only a VW owner can give 😊

[@richadcock70]

Hey, great video!!! I really like how detailed you are and explain everything so anyone can understand. So, just a couple of suggestions/comments: get yourself a bearing and seal install kit (they aren't very expensive (Harbor Freight) and you don't have to use your socket...I believe you said, the right tool for the job ;) ) Also a solvent tank, in my opinion, is better than a plastic container. Many places carry benchtop versions that won't take up a lot of space. You can use parts solvent that you can purchase at your local auto parts store or, I use diesel fuel. As long as you use something that is oil-based. Also, for the next time you have to do the rear axle seals/bearings, the rear axle bearing cover bolts should be tightened to 40 ft-lbs. Lastly, NO SCHMUTZ! LOL

[@monkeyknuts5113]

This video was one of the best I've ever seen on KZbin for wheel bearings on vw beetles 🐞 Also I wanted to note that your attention to detail as well as your suggestions and tips are top notch. Thank you very much for providing a first timer with the knowledge to tackle this job. The only thing I was a little concerned about and it could be a different year - but there is small o-ring that slides over the axle under the outer spacer that seemed to be missing. But again, could not be required for your model. I have a 73'. Cheers!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much! Yes, I believe that is for the Swing Axles. I have to admit I was a little confused with some conflicting info I saw, but the main difference is that the Swing Axle setup has to keep the oil from the transaxle out of the brake system. Let me know if you disagree. Thanks, F

[@mikewiremt]

Awesome work! Love how you break down all the parts. Now...if only my VW's were as clean! For a parts washer, see if you can pick up a smaller bench top style, there's quite a few out there in the 3.5 gal. range. I ran Simple Green in mine and it worked well. You could always pick up a 1 gallon Berrymans carb/parts cleaner too, for those small parts only. Or even better, an ultrasonic cleaner.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks so much!

[@larrygk1257]

Excellent work in all aspects as always. Would like to see a vid that shows a '70's VW rear disc brake conversion procedure in detail. Thanks again.

[@judih.8754]

I love the tool for removing the large axle nut. That would have come in handy when we did rear bearings on the 924 and later on the 914! You were fortunate that the bearings popped out easily. Whew! For parts cleaning we bought a 5 gallon pail of parts cleaner that was used in a vessel big enough for the item being cleaned. It does a super job. Good call on the seal for the bearing cover. Great job as usual, thanks!! And good news about the 911. Can't wait!!!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks Judi!

[@jemcnair76]

I use a big galvanized pan like you'd use to feed chickens for cleaning parts. I've used all sorts of solvents, MEK, acetone, mineral spirits, 1,1,1 trichloroethane (really dangerous stuff), and the old standby brake parts cleaning spray. I think 1,1,1 trichloroethane is illegal now, but we used gallons of it in the Bell System. It's a fantastic cleaner. I don't think you can get real MEK anymore, but the MEK substitute is really good. Usually substitutes are garbage, but I'm impressed with the fake MEK.

[@JACKOFALLTODD]

Great job