Shaft lock washers are clamped into a shallow groove around a shaft to hold the parts in place. They are made of spring steel to stay in place against the top of the axle.
On the Volskwagen 1303 Beetle, the shaft locks mentioned here secure the trunk lid hinge spring to the body below. On the VW Type 3, it is used to secure the trunk and tailgate springs to the hinge.
Rusty lock washers should be replaced, as the effect of corrosion has reduced the clamping range and the lock washer may lose its function.
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