Due to the construction of the front axle, it is necessary to limit the suspension travel for the Volkswagen Beetle and Karmann Ghia for models until 1965 and for the VW Bus until 1979 when the suspension is moving too far downwards, this is done by means of rubber stops that are fixed on the front axle. The drying of the rubber causes cracks, which causes the rubber to crumble. Check the condition of the rubbers at every maintenance and replace them if cracks are visible, so you will never be surprised if the road contains an unexpected pit.
On the VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia and Split Bus they are 100% rubber and on the Bay Window Bus they are equipped with a metal mounting part with a vulcanized rubber stop.
If the driving behaviour is demanding, for example when driving off-road or if you never want to replace the rubber again afterwards, it is also possible for the VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia and the first Split Buses to opt for urethane instead of rubber. Urethane is less flexible and can absorb a much higher impact force and urethane is virtually indestructible. When the rubbers come into action, the urethane version absorbs the impact less well, but does not tear spontaneously.
Useful information from Paruzzi magazine and from our YouTube channel :
Look for more technical articles on the page Paruzzi Magazine