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Fri Dec 10, 2021 1:48 pm

I’m preparing to adjust the front wheels’ camber on my 1967 Beetle with ball joint front end. All of the front end suspension and steering components were replaced about 2 years ago.

I’ve measured the current front wheels camber, averaging the 2 readings I got at each wheel. (I rolled the car forward 1/2 wheel rotation to take 2nd readings)

Right. - .50 degrees

Left - .375 degrees

I plan to adjust both sides to + .25 degrees.

The notch in the right side adjustment eccentric is currently pointing forward, which I believe indicates it can be adjusted up to 90 degrees in either direction to get the camber reading I’m after.

However, the notch on the left side eccentric is currently pointing toward the rear of the car. Does this mean that this ball joint wasn’t indexed properly when it was installed? Will I still be able to turn it up to 90 degrees in either direction to get the camber reading I want? Or???

Fri Dec 10, 2021 2:23 pm

The adjuster is round, so it can rotate 360° ... round and round and round.

Ball joints need to be indexed when installed but that is separate from the adjusters.

Fri Dec 10, 2021 2:31 pm

Q-Dog wrote: The adjuster is round, so it can rotate 360° ... round and round and round. The notch should be pointed forward.

Ball joints need to be indexed when installed but that is separate from the adjusters.

Thanks, so the fact that the one on the left currently has the notch pointed toward the rear….will that hinder the ability to adjust the camber on that side?

Fri Dec 10, 2021 3:06 pm

FL-Frank wrote: ....Thanks, so the fact that the one on the left currently has the notch pointed toward the rear….will that hinder the ability to adjust the camber on that side?
If I may, all that it means is whoever put the left side together has it 180° out.
As mentioned it turns round and round, so just loosen the lock nut and rotate the adjuster so it points forward, then make any needed adjustments from that starting point.

Fri Dec 10, 2021 3:10 pm

61SNRF wrote: FL-Frank wrote: ....Thanks, so the fact that the one on the left currently has the notch pointed toward the rear….will that hinder the ability to adjust the camber on that side?
If I may, all that it means is whoever put the left side together has it 180° out.
As mentioned it turns round and round, so just loosen the lock nut and rotate the adjuster so it points forward, then make any needed adjustments from that starting point.

Thank you very much!

Fri Dec 10, 2021 4:31 pm

I was hoping by including the photos you would figure that out. :wink: You start with the notch pointed forward, but it could end up 90º on either side and still not be able to quite get it where you want it.

Never trust that the previous person did the job correctly.

Fri Dec 10, 2021 4:44 pm

Q-Dog wrote: Never trust that the previous person did the job correctly.

Very true! I had it aligned (supposedly) at a local shop 4,000 miles ago, and my front tires….which were brand new at that time, are worn badly….especially the right :cry:

Fri Dec 10, 2021 4:51 pm

The notch in the eccentric should be pointing forward somewhere in the 180 degree range of the circle if that makes sense.

That eccentric effects not only camber but also caster. You set those first then lock it down then move on to the tie rods for toe adjustment.

Fri Dec 10, 2021 6:15 pm

Damn, I did not know that, I should check mine for correct position. I recently refurbished the beam on my 67, haven’t had it aligned yet