AboutRon Wolff Expertise I am proficient in the following areas of VW Air Cooled Models from 1968-1979:
Vehicles: Super Beetle, Beetle, Thing, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Westfalia/Bus
Areas of expertise years 1968-1979
Engine Rebuild advice for all air cooled engines
VW Brake system replacement
Automatic Stickshift transmission
VW KOOL and DPD air conditioning systems (ex. thing)
Westfalia Electrical system dual battery
Westy Refridge Repair
Westy Cabinet Repair
Westy
AFC Fuel Injection system (1975 bugs) (1975 bus/Westys)
Soundproofing
General type 4 engine rebuild/technical data (i.e. 1.7 ltr, 1.8., 2.0) for buses
VW Air Cooled Beetle and Bus Paint codes
VW Distributor Compatibility Information
Westy component repair
Emission Systems
Exhaust Systems
General Electric System
Door rebuild (windows, seals, vent windows)
Body Panel Removal and general repair (non-welded)
Charging System
Convertible top Installation: Beetle
CV joints
Engine Troubleshooting
Valve Train
Non areas of expertise:
High Performance Modifications
Front end related components
Rear suspension (spring plate adjustment)
Bodywork / painting
Experience
Past/Present clients I often contribute to the westfalia users group technical boards. I have been a member for about 4 years. My usermame is 76Heatwagen
I restore vintage Volkswagens and currently own 4 of them.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 9/2/2007 Subject: 1977 vw bug convertible
Question I purchased this bug about 2 months ago. All has been fine,The car seams to run well, but after a few miles I get this odor. The odor smell like burning rubber. (really strong) I also get a "clicking" noise when making a right turn only when the clutch is engaged. This all only occurs after driving approximately 15-20 miles. I can't locate the clicking noise nor the odor. Pls. let me know what you think. Reliving my VW day's, 21 years latter. Paul
Answer Paul,
It sounds like you have brakes which are out of adjustment.
Most likely, the burning rubber smell is one or more of the brake shoes rubbing against the drum. In addition, the clicking sound is probably a spring or the emergency brake cable rubbing as you corner.
The best way to confirm this is to raise each wheel and see if they spin ok independently. If one seems jammed, back the shoe off a little by turning the adjusting star behind the wheel.
This does not sound like a major problem, however, I would take caution before driving again until you have it resolved.
