Drivetrain

In the Drivetrain category in the Mid America Motorworks Knowledge Library, you’ll find detailed articles on Air-Cooled Volkswagen brakes, clutches, suspension, and more. Browse guides and maintenance tips to keep your classic VW running smoothly and efficiently. Perfect for enthusiasts and DIY mechanics alike!

• About Torsion Bar Suspension

  All pre-1968 and many 1968 and later Standard Beetles are equipped with torsion bar front ends, which was the original design of the Beetles front suspension.

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• Air Cooled VW Brakes : Technical Tips

  When doing a brake job on your VW, you should always inspect the condition of the drum inner surfaces and both sides of the brake rotor for signs of wear and damage.

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• Air Cooled VW Master Cylinder - Typical Removal and Installation Procedure

  Everything you need to know about removing and installing the master cylinder.

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• Bench Bleeding the Typical Classic VW Master Cylinder

  Bench bleeding the master cylinder before it's installed in the car is an important step in ensuring you have good brakes on your Beetle.

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• Clutch Release Bearing Replacement

  Both the Bentley Manual and the Haynes Manual call this a Clutch Release Bearing.

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• Clutch Removal and Installation

  Any time the engine is removed, check the clutch for wear and replace worn components as necessary.

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• Front Brake Shoe Replacement Procedure

  When inspection of the brake shoes shows that the linings have worn excessively, it is time to replace the brake shoes.

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• Hand Brake Adjustment Procedure

  The hand brake should be adjusted whenever the rear brake shoes have worn enough to allow you to raise the lever five clicks without noticeable braking action.

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• Hand Brake Cable Replacement Procedure

  Don't let this important, yet commonly overlooked part go without the attention it deserves.

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• Keep Rolling: Proper CV Joint & Boot Maintenance

  Constant Velocity Joints, or CV Joints, on your Volkswagen transfer torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a constant speed, while accounting for the motion caused by the suspension.

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• Lubrication of the Front Suspension

  For optimal performance, you need to ensure your suspension is well lubricated.

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• Rear Brake Drum Replacement

  Brake component replacement is crucial for maintaining safety and performance.

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• Replacing the Rear Brake Shoes and Cylinders

  It's always a good idea to replace your rear brake shoes and cylinders at the first sign of performance decline.

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• Shifter Bushing Replacement Procedure

  Greatly improve your VW's shifting quality and performance

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• Typical Air Cooled VW Brake Adjustment

  To maintain safety and performance, it's a good idea to periodically adjust your brakes

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• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus Brake Tech Tips

  When doing a brake job on your Volkswagen Bus, you should always inspect the condition of the drum inner surfaces and both sides of the brake rotor for signs of wear and damage.

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• VW Clutch Cheat Sheet

  This clutch cheat sheet shows two diagrams of different clutch configurations.

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• VW Transaxle Mount Technical Tip

  Anytime the Engine is out of the Volkswagen or you’re replacing the VW Transaxle, it’s a good idea to inspect the front and back rubber transaxle mounts for damage.

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• Wheel Cylinder Replacement

  Increase performance by replacing your worn out wheel cylinder.

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• Why use Urethane/Polyurethane for Your Suspension?

  Learn why urethane/polyurethane bushings are right for improving suspension.

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