71 Super Beetle Rear Diagonal Arms Creaking

[vwlover77]

The diagonal arm pivot points on my 71 Super Beetle make a creaking noise as the arms move up and down. It's quite loud and annoying in the cabin.

Can these bushings be lubricated, or is this a sign that the bushings are worn out and require replacement? (The car has ~95K original miles)

[Amskeptic]

The diagonal arm pivot points on my 71 Super Beetle make a creaking noise as the arms move up and down. It's quite loud and annoying in the cabin.

Can these bushings be lubricated, or is this a sign that the bushings are worn out and require replacement? (The car has ~95K original miles)

There is not supposed to be any motion between the bushing and the diagonal arm nor the bushing and the inner sleeve. All diagonal arm movement is supposed to be absorbed by the rubber itself so that there are "no moving parts" to wear out. Your bushings have "petrified" enough to now allow actual slippage. If you were to lubricate this interface, it would be quieter, yes, but wear would accelerate.

Try to obtain new bushings and try to get them properly pressed into the diagonal arms. Oh, and yes, the rear suspension will have to be disassembled, bigly.
Colin

[vwlover77]

Oh, and yes, the rear suspension will have to be disassembled, bigly.

Ugh. That is what I was afraid of, but it will be worth it to make the rear suspension great again!

[asiab3]

Hey Don, keep us updated on the process if you would… My mom's bug squeaks bigly from the rear torsion bushings too.

Robbie