VW Beetle - Super Beetle Clutch Adjustment! Very Easy! IRS or Swingaxle

#vwbeetle #aircooled #vwbeetleclutch
In this video I will demonstrate on how to properly adjust your VW beetle clutch!
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[@icantbelievemylife_2792]

Once again, Slade is here to save the day. My 72' Super being my introduction into VW, it's been quite the learning curve that I've loved every minute of. Thank you for your maintenance and routine videos, everything from valve adjustment to just random bits of knowledge you've gained over the years has made a tremendous difference in my confidence in ownership. Thanks Slade! - A loyal subscriber

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much! And most of all thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, it really makes it worth doing these videos when I know they are helping others.

[@ultimate-windex6169]

Just picked myself up a 72 super and stumbled across this channel looking forward to diving deeper! Hows your super been to you?

[@icantbelievemylife_2792]

@@ultimate-windex6169 Awesome. Love the car more every week.

[@PopularityContest]

Greatest vw channel on KZbin

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks brother, I truly appreciate that.

[@FunFun-tv7gq]

Spade, I give your videos LIKE before I watch them. This is how much I trust in your channel and video’s information. Can’t wait for your test drive. Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much for the confidence, and thank you for always being her I truly appreciate it very much. Cheers my friend.

[@FunFun-tv7gq]

Sorry about the auto spelling correction, I meant “Slade” 😃 all the best my friend.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

No worries, you should see when I text somebody, half of the stuff is spelled wrong because I talk into my phone. 😁

[@williamtanner1372]

Learned more useful stuff here. I like the camera and better sound.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks brother! I’m trying to get the best quality I can out of the videos.

[@VolksStokes]

Nothing’s more irritating that a lose clutch pedal and a shifter knob. Thanks for making it so easy for maintaining our VDubs. You’re a Gem!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks so much my friend, and thanks for being here and taking out the time to leave a comment.

[@timinjapan3836]

Agree with ICantBelieveMyLife, you are the greatest. I have commented before when your videos helped me and they have yet again. Changing the shocks on my '96 Mexican was cake and pie. Getting my arm into the space to adjust the clutch cable while I had the shock out, not cake and pie but at least you let me know what to do to adjust it! Thank you so much. You are my Bentley Book!!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Tim that was very nice of you, I try to do the best that I possibly can. I appreciate you leaving a comment and taking the time to be here.

[@pacificovw9522]

Some VW drivers have that picture of the wingnut on their driver's license and/or passport. Great video Slades.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!!

[@eugenebaroni1298]

Another great video Slade. Lots of good how two's. Keep them coming. Can't wait to see it going down the road. Stay safe out there buddy.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Eugene! We’re coming to a close now and onto the next one. Which is a 1968 waiting to get in the garage. Much more to come.

[@blakewaddell451]

Another great video Slades. Helpful for sure. From this video I was able to determine mines in perfect adjustment.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Blake! It’s nice to make sure they are adjusted properly once in a while, just to take good care of your car.

[@1Dakota318]

Not to often I see some one with the same name 😆 now ill have to buy some stickers. Been fine tuning my 69 sand rail and these videos are a big help.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Well that’s pretty cool!!! Same name!! I’ll have stickers available very soon. Down in the description you can grab T-shirts and stuff like that from the store. The stickers I’m going to order high-quality vinyl die cut. Which will be next week. I’m glad these videos have been helpful to others, it truly makes it worth doing.

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

Nailed it, nice work. So necessary to do the adjustments right. A lot of people has a wrong adjustment on their car.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks brother! I’ll be heading over to your channel this evening to catch up on your videos, which I truly enjoy.

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

@@SladesVWBeetle thanx slades. It's a different approach of making video's than yours or others. But I hope that they help with some tips and tricks.

[@FLATearthGARY]

“…if that blows out, you’re done!” 📢CUE THE CURTAIN! 🤣😂😎

[@johnfreeman1189]

Another great video!!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much John! I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend.

[@juliochacon5751]

HEY SLADES YOU DO TREMENDESLY GOOD VIDEOS THANKS A LOT….NICE CAMERA .

[@jaycozcollazo9439]

Great straight forward video. Thank you.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much, I appreciate your kind comment.

[@Missashliem]

I need to do this, I wish I had someone close like you that could help with my rebuild!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly, I truly would help you. I like helping others, that’s what life is all about. If you need anything, just go to my website and hit the contact button. My email is there. sladesvwbeetle.com

[@OFFAxisBuilds]

Great video. Keep them coming.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Dennis! I truly appreciate the encouragement.

[@vwcoco]

I’m doing a couple of these cables pretty soon and thanks for the advice 👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much my friend, I hope it greatly helps out.

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Thank's for the video and your time.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Doug! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@andyroo3022]

Good video. easy explanation of the adjustment. Thanks again.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!!

[@jamescooper8054]

THANK YOU FOR THE INFO... SAVED ME A LOT OF MONEY I DON'T HAVE.. BLESS YOU SIR

[@dubworldvwadventures]

Very informative. Believe it or not I’ve actually never used anything to measure it. I’ve always just done it by eyeballing it. The late-model cars are definitely way easier to do than the early model ones. I recently had to adjust the clutch on my 63 and gave up trying to film it because it was hard enough just trying to get my arms in there with the wrenches to adjust it.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That was one of the harder films that I had to do. The camera was in the way, which prevented me from getting a wrench on the cable to hold it. Honestly I never measure it, I just do it by feel. But I figured with filming, I better show measuring it for those who are not used to it.

[@ISquishWorms]

Some more useful info and tips in this video, thanks.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!!

[@HeathersHaven]

Excellent video!!!!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks hunny!!

[@bahtjarkarpuzi9846]

Thank you man.!Greatings from Kosova.!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!!

[@mike7197]

Best most accurate way to adjust your clutch is right at the clutch arm on the side of the transaxle. Tighten the adjusting nut till you have just a bit of play in the arm. It'll be just enough to keep the throwout bearing from contacting the clutch plate, and your done. No need for any measuring at the pedal inside the car. Easy peasy.

[@zimms-world]

Thanks for the very helpful video. This is great information

[@SladesVWBeetle]

And thanks for a much for taking the time to comment, I truly appreciate that.

[@DEATHWISHVQ]

I hope this helps someone because fml I was driving in traffic suddenly I couldn’t shift 1-2, the engine would turn on, but it would not go into first when I would press the clutch, and the clutch had loose resistance I was like wtfff, if I turned off the car and played around shifting gears it would go into 1-2. By luck someone helped me move the car away from traffic, I thought my transmission was fucked idk but the guy told me to tighten my clutch line cable thing and it worked, I still don’t know the cause he told me it’s because the clutch gets super worn where it won’t engage but I changed the clutch like maybe 5 months ago, idk if I bought a cheap clutch but yeah this helped me drive it again I was near calling a tow.

[@jamiewalton23]

That new GoPro is really glass mate. Great video

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much! I truly appreciate that.

[@TheIsuruSL]

Thank you so much for the video 😍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

And thank you fir being here!

[@demRucks]

What happens if you run out of threads when tightening? New cable?

[@turdferguson2541]

thanks for the vid, very helpful.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks for being here!!

[@johnrideout7124]

To stop the clutch cable breaking, put a hand-full of Graphite grease on the wing-nut adjusting area. Replacing a busted clutch cable would have outsmarted Houdini hisself.!

[@DansCycles]

Love the videos great deal of help god bless you sir

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you for saying that!! God Bless my friend!!

[@andycoyle4542]

Again…….Very informative!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Andy! I hope you are doing well

[@gordondonahue4810]

I just started my 71 after a 3 year restoration.My clutch needs adjustment. I see some pull the left rear wheel to adjust and some reach from underneath. I tried from from under and had trouble reaching. Just an FYI I didn’t get a notification when you post a new vid. Your sound is good with the go pro. Stay safe.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

They sometimes can truly be a pain in the butt. When I didn’t have heater boxes on my last car, I was able to reach up inside so easily. But this time everything was on it, so it made it a little more difficult. Thank you so much for being here Gordon, I truly appreciate you being part of the community.

[@johnmartin5153]

hey brother have you ever expirenced a release shaft sticking for just a second when taking your foot off the clutch? ive been experiencing that for a week or so now. trying to figure out what the sticking/thud type sound is . comes from the pass side clutch area .

[@Volkswagenplanet]

Im going to attempt mine later today hopefully. I think mine is way out of adjustment. I can't even get mine in gear after my trip around the block last time. Thanks for the info

[@SladesVWBeetle]

You’re welcome my friend, they’re easy to do so that’s a bonus. You’ve got this!

[@unknownstudio2023]

good video

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much, and thank you for taking the time to be here.

[@reina7983]

This is great thank you really helped me get more of how a clutch should be positioned, I think you should look into a go pro so that way you have both hands free for it to be natural for you

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks for watching! I actually just got a go pro recently for may last few films. Works nicely!

[@erikdavis7096]

Great video. I just got a 73 SB and I am trying to chase down a metal banging from the rear end when I get on a ruff road. I have replace the muffler and heater boxes an it is still making the noise. Is there to check the transmission mounts without pulling the motor. This is the first bug I ever had. Thank you.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly, leaving the decklid open, and standing alongside of the car. You should be able to see the motor moving when accelerated up or the car moved back and forth slightly.

[@patpeterson4698]

Nice video I installed new clutch(and associated parts) got my free play to 5/8” buy now when I leave a stop light it chatters, almost like not fully engaged on initial take off doesn’t do it shifting gears

[@johncollins5552]

You probably need an extra washer put on the Bowden tube, that goes in the other side of that bracket you see near the clutch cable end. You might make your own washer and cut a slot out of it in a horseshoe style so you can fit it over the clutch cable wire.

[@thebadbug7026]

Every two to three oil changes.... I may have missed a few as I haven’t done this in the 15 years The bug has been in my possession. That may be one of the reasons why the car doesn’t want to go into first gear🤣 Thanks for showing me one more way to have a reliable VW!!!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yeah, you want to check that once in a while. It probably needs a good adjustment for sure. If you keep up the maintenance on these old mechanical cars they can be pretty reliable. I hope you have been doing well

[@Paulman50]

Cool vidio. Works just the same on my hydrolic clutch,.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you! It should actually be the same that I’m aware of.

[@carmelocucchi6788]

Excellent video, exactly what I needed. But, I've now tightened the cable nut twice. The first time in September 5 full turns, and today 4 full turns. At what point am I looking for another reason I'm losing pedal pressure? Thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That sounds kind of strange. I am wondering if your cable is stretched? You shouldn’t have to keep adjusting it like that.

[@soggz4246]

If the clutch is too tight, will the clutch be activated, which in turn will cause endfloat on the crank, due to the thrust bearing being forced unintentionally? Am lol the best 👍🏾🇬🇧

[@5150mxVW]

excellent Vid 👍, what Go Pro are you using ?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks so much! I hope you’ve been doing well. I’m using the GoPro hero seven silver. Seems to work quite well.

[@stevehernandez7267]

Is clutch chatter all ways from clutch cable tub loose?

[@micahclaycamp8632]

Great video… I drive a 56 bug with a 63 bus tranny. Cable came off the clutch assembly… replacing the whole cable after 20 years

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you! And thanks for commenting!

[@gordonmack9948]

My clutch is all new and the cross shaft and spring but the pedal don't come all the way back, is it because it's all new?

[@jeremyshearer]

I bought feeler gauges and would .008 be good enough for valve clearance check?? It’s the lowest this one goes

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Depending on your application, most are .006 on the 1600 dual port.

[@davidgiesfeldt6650]

Great vid. I just acquired third owner 1968 beetle. It is 107th car and 13th beetle over the past 45 years. A lot of work has been done, some i am questioning. I have never had a clutch pedal sit 1.5in behind the brake. The front has an EMPI disc conversion. I dont see a master upgrade. (Thought maybe the brake was adjust too far out). How do you set the clutch pedal position?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Hi Dave, congratulations on your car. There is a slide on the floor with a little bolt you will see right behind the pedal cluster. Just be careful loosening the bolt, so it don’t break. You can get some adjustment out of it there.

[@michaeld.3779]

A little grease between the face of the adjustment nut and where it seats on the clutch arm, will make the wing nut much easier to turn. Also, I use an actual, stiff ruler. A measuring tape is a pita, and the angle can change as it moves all over. And I measure from the top of the pedal, but only because Bentley said to do so.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That’s a great idea!! Would make it spin so much easier! I had a stuff ruler and it broke. I was going to hijack one for my wife’s craft room. But I learned not to do that any longer ever since I stole her singer scissors. 🤦🏼‍♂️😁

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Hi Slade, First thing I noticed was the sound is allot better with your gopro. When your next to the bug add a light over by the camera facing you. It's a bit dark. I've noticed that on my gopro lately so trying a few different things. The podcast I should have had one of those ring lights. They don't cost that much either. CT is really good recording his videos with lighting. Anyway just trying to be helpful. Your videos are a great learning tool for VW folks👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Tim!! Yeah I’m adjusting to using the Go Pro, it’s completely different than my phone is. And seems to do a wider Angle. The circle lights are nice, and really help!!

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Yep the wide angle you need to move closer or it looks to far away on some shots. It's great for close up work

[@garypannone7755]

I have been checking my car out. I hope I can fit a arm in there. It looks almost impossible on my 1964.

[@pstreetgarage7304]

Nice job and great demo. So are you happy with the go pro. Was thinking of getting one

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly I really like it I can get into much tighter angles now. And I still use my phone so I can get different angles from both cameras.

[@pstreetgarage7304]

@@SladesVWBeetle Great !!

[@johncollins5552]

Dang your red bug is suoer shiny, is that a clear coat finish or buffed wax? Great video btw, took the guesswork out of adjustment, I has just been winging it for years😂 not measuring anything.

[@oldvolksbus1]

Great video. I put a new clutch in my bus and it was catching! Released it and worked. Now I have 3” travel. I’ll be adjusting it to your video. Sorry I didn’t hit the like button first time round! Must have watched it on my tv! Keep up the great videos 🤟🏻

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you John! And thank you so much for being part of the community here I truly appreciate it.

[@mikebraun2881]

I wish you would walk the camera under the vehicle so I have an easier time finding it! This video was just strait cut to that scene. Have to where is Waldo for that specific looking piece. Amateur here haha.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Hi Mike! The adjuster cable and arm are located under the drivers side rear, when you look behind the wheel. You’ll definitely see it right on top of the transmission!! Hope that helps!

[@shawnm3839]

Sliding an open end wrench between the butterfly nut and the arm gave me clearance to turn the nut without it continuously falling back into the slot on the arm. Used a vice grip to hold the cable. Adjusting the cable is an easy task, but like anything on these cars, you're limited by cramped quarters if you're doing anything without removing the engine.

[@manh8smud1]

Thanks,, Way better sound with this camera..

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Joe! I keep trying to improve the best that I can. I’m just learning over time. Thank you for being here.

[@gmikl]

I learned about getting it routinely checked, after the third oil change, or as needed. The problem I’m having is cable slippage. I heard, clamp the cable before tightening the wing nut. Have you heard anything about this?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Before tightening the wingnut, clamp a pair of vise grips, or something onto it so it doesn’t spin while turning the wingnut. Sadly I could not get the camera in there, while trying to hold it at the same time.

[@2869may]

@@SladesVWBeetle You couldn't set the camera down for a second and place the vise grips....? ;)

[@christopherruff4001]

My wing nut was so tight that the whole cable twists when attempting to tighten it; it is going to have to take some Vice grips to attempt the adjustment.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@christopherruff4001 Make sure to use lubricant first, like PB blast or something similar. Then turn it back and forth slowly

[@christopherruff4001]

I’ll try that this evening, thanks!

[@therussmccurdy2602]

I've got the 1/2" slack, but I only have to push the clutch pedal in about an 1.5 inches to release it to shift. Is that normal?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That truly doesn’t sound normal. If I’m understanding what you mean. You should have to push it a lot further than that.

[@brianchisnell1548]

It is normal. That's why 2 inches of slack is no big deal.

[@Mr572u]

So if you do a half inch play, and the clutch still drags, you do what it takes to make it work.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I’m sure everybody’s will be somewhat different. That’s pretty much a guideline just from the manual.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!!

[@PopularityContest]

The is it. It has to be the clutch cable I have zero resistance.

[@no8do]

you neeed to turn on image stabilization if it's a newer model and it should stable your shakes away.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I’m still learning the settings on it. I was in a very awkward position unfortunately.

[@gordonmack9948]

So there the link for your t shirt 👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

The link is right here! Thank you! sladesvwbeetle.com/apparel-stickers/

[@kevinhamling1963]

G'day, Kevin here from Australia. Great video but could i add one thing. My ride is a 63 beetle with the steering wheel on the correct side the rhs. 🤣 What i do is i use a pair of pointy nose vice grips I've put rubber tubbing on the jaws. Now i snap these onto the cable as it comes out of the bowden tube this will stop any twist. And if you can i use a nut its got the same base as the wing nut and this means i can get a 14mm ratchet spanner on it. Well thats me. Keep safe and healthy man. ✌ Peace

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks for being her Kevin! Usually I am able to get a wrench right up inside of there, and hold the cable. The downfall was the camera was in the way, so I could not get two hands up in there. That was definitely a tight squeeze, while trying to film. Thanks for chiming in, I truly appreciate it! And I hope you are safe healthy and happy! ✌🏻🍺🍺

[@kevinhamling1963]

@@SladesVWBeetle thanks man ✌

[@Paulman50]

The only trouble with Austrailian cars is that they are upside down, takes the paint off the roof when you drive them.

[@kevinhamling1963]

@@Paulman50 we are trying to deal with this problem. ✌

[@sinistercharger]

I adjusted mine and put extra washers on it but the pedal still is pretty low to the floor

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Is it a new cable?

[@sinistercharger]

@@SladesVWBeetle It looks in good shape.It was on the car when I bought it 2 years ago

[@brucewayne2773]

Of course it's easy when the butterfly nut moves freely. Try doing this when it's stuck for years.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Oh that’s no fun!!

[@brucewayne2773]

@@SladesVWBeetle from now on while the engine is off of the car, I will make sure to remove the butterfly nut and clean that threaded end on thoroughly and put on anti seize on those threads.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@brucewayne2773 oh it’s worth it Bruce! I use anti seize…probably too much! Lol

[@hobieballard9291]

Are we allowed to ask advice on a problem?

[@pretzyldog]

Sound is much better with Go Pro!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you, I was trying to enhance the audio. And I’m starting to realize during filming what to do to help it. Thanks so much for being here.

[@aaronvdubz1742]

show the bowden tube next time

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Actually I’ll be doing my swing axle in the very near future. I’ll be showing the clutch cable installation with a new Bowden tube and adjustment.

[@shrimp562]

Shouldn't you measure at the top of the pedal?

[@russellmairs5902]

"Rollller"? Ahhh RULER! Tape measure ??

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Haha! Ruler!! 😁

[@OleYankeeFarm]

I safely jacked up my '74 Super Beetle and found the clutch cable and there is no more thread left to tighten the wing nut. It's maxed out! Now what?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I’m wondering if you’re cable is stretched. What you can do, and I really don’t recommend this. normally. You can take the wingnut off, and put some washers on or some type of spacer to gain more thread technically. Honestly I would buy a new cable.

[@OleYankeeFarm]

I ordered a new cable but dreading pulling the old one out and putting the new one in. I saw JBugs recommends drilling a bigger access hole.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@OleYankeeFarm I’ve never drilled a bigger access hole to be honest with you. You will be fine, just take your time and move slow.

[@OleYankeeFarm]

Thank you!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@OleYankeeFarm you’re welcome my friend. If you’re on Facebook, consider joining our Slades Vw community group. Great folks on there always willing to help out. All slades club members m.facebook.com/groups/264095492585889/?ref=share&mibextid=I6gGtw

[@user-ef5zo9yv3l]

You need to use pliers to hold cable from turning while you turn the wing nut .

[@brianchisnell1548]

All VW's are IRS. Owners Manual refers to '68 on up as "Double Jointed"

[@JosephDR]

Early bugs like my '64 are swingaxle. Not IRS. IRS is better though.