applefr3ak wrote:
> Hey guys.. New to the list.. First Beetle i have owned... I have had a
> few busses a few type 3's but never a beetle.. so i have a 71 Super..
> 1600DP.. No rust A rarity here in Utah Anyone else on the list
> from around here?? Well here is my issue.. I am running 15 inch empi 8
> spokes. pretty wide 145's on there. But lately.. last month or so.. I
> have had this thumping noise coming from the right rear wheel it
> seems.. It speeds up as the car speeds up and slows down as the car
> does, I did have a nail in the tire, Went and got that fixed.. seemed
> just a smidge better.. But its still there.. on the freeway i dont
> notice it.. but thats probably cause im going 70 and its noisy lol.
> any ideas as to what it could be?? Tires are pretty new... I jacked
> the car up.. didnt feel much play in the bearing.. there was a little,
> but i know there is supposed to be just a little. Any help would be
> appreciated. I may rotate the tires and see if the sound moves to the
> front.. if so.. maybe off balance somehow?? Any ideas will be
> appreciated
>
> Thanks,
> Jason
> 71 SB Ogden, UT


Hi and welcome to the group.

One of the best parts sources happens to be in Utah: www.aircooled.net
They may have some club info too, I don't know. Email links on their
website. They do come here to talk too occasionally

Rotating the tires is a good idea. There is very little else that could
be wrong with the rear. Maybe the tire is out of round, or has some
other hard to find damage in the internal structure, causing a raised
spot on the tread surface. A tire like that will usually die a horrible,
sudden death, when the tread separates from the body of the tire,
exposing the steel belts and letting air out. Replace the tire, maybe
they even have a warranty on them since they are so new, even if you
didn't opt for an extra warranty package when you bought them.
It doesn't sound like a balancing problem.

Jan