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Brake service/upgrade..... Advice needed. 73 Super.

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colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#729652
Hello All..

If you have been kicking around the forum this day, you would know I've been talking about brakes.... so here goes......

I've been finding my pedal goes way too far down, and isn't firm at all... I figure, I've had the car for over a year, and haven't touched the brakes. I have been told my mechanic that my pads up front are low, and and my rotors down to minimum thickness. I am not aware of the Master Cylinder having any issues, so will leave this till last.

I find that my pedal doesn't sit high and isn't firm like all other beetles that I have driven.

My thoughts are, that I will need to get new front rotors, and just clean up the rears and bleed the lines.

The advice I am after is, what exact components do I need to purchase?
The car is a 73 Super.
So, I'm after a list of what I need!


Thanks heaps in advance 🙂

BiX Veteran Volks Folk

2,499 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#729654
if you havne't yet -Adjsut the rear shoes at least once a month if you drive the car most days.
New fluid - Full flush, don't just bleed
New rotors if required
new front pads, std shoud be fine
new rear shoes if required
machine rear drums if required
check all rubber lines, if they look old replace!
check all cylnders/calipers and overhaul replace as required


best upgrade to braking system..... do a advanced driving course and learn how to use them properly

Other upgrades
larger front calipers
type three rear drums
different front pads
braided brake lines
then we move onto conversions.......
I have no sympathy for my car, only the wallet that pays for it!
Go hard or go home!!!!

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#729656
Hey BiX, thanks again 🙂

I have been told by John Sherman that Larger Calipers at the front would be a good upgrade, and for $250 seems like a good idea.
I will also be getting my new front Rotors from John, $100 Each. Its only an extra $75 (for the pair) to have them Drilled or slotted, I'm just trying to make up my mind on If I will do this.

I will also need new bearings and seals to do this to the front (which I can't find online......), Is there anything else???

As for the rear, I need -

Shoes,
bearings,
Wheel Cylinders,
and, there is a kit for $20.... I just don't know whats in it, or if I need it....???

(All of my parts will be from www.classicveedub.com.au 🙂 - I love the online site and the service 🙂)

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#729897
So, I did some ringing today, and I will be getting/having done.. -

2 x New german discs.
New calipers with pads (larger surface)
New SS braided brake lines (all four)
Drilling of discs

$615 @ action day.

+ bearings. and, thats just the front

Still trying to organise, Shoes, wheel cylinders, bearings, yada yada.

Suggestions for rear welcome....

izac Wolfsburg Wizard

508 posts · joined Jun 2008 ·

#729906
dude, i think if you just try bleeding and flushing the system first you will most probably find a big difference in the pedal travel and feel. IMHO

colin Fahrvergnugen

984 posts · joined Mar 2007 ·

#729909
Before you spend any money check and if necessary adjust brake pedal freeplay,then bleed system.

Cheers Col

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#729910
maybe, but the rotors are at minimum thickness, and front right is on the squealer....
A bleed will help for the next few weeks, but not long term....
I will try and bleed them this week sometime...

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#729992
Has anyone used the braided lines from john sherman? Worth it?

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#729998
Hi

You can tell if your rear brakes need adjusting if when you pull the handbrake on the pedal gets better. You should also make sure your handbrake cables are loose before adjusting the rear brakes.

Type 3 rears are good upgrade on a bug, I think GTMac was selling some on here.

Steve

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#730080
When i pull the hand brake on, the brakes stay the same. the H/b holds pretty well... i always park in gear just to be sure, but i've never had any issues.

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#730752
anyone know about/ had experiance with these rear kits from Classicveedub?

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colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#730757
Oh, and are these the bearings and seals I need for upfront??

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bajachris88 The international telephone dialing code for Antarctica is 6

6,661 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·

#730783
whose the supplier for that kit?

$60 for a whole set is a GREAT price!

don't forget ur new wheel seal kits. (paper gasket, 2 'o' rings and the grease seal for the outter rear bearing) as those seals in the pic are only for the rear inner bearing.
(ô_!_/ô) (ô_!_/ô)
69' baja: kombi box, thing spindles, irs, disc front, type 3 rear drums, 2 inch lift kit, 31x10 rears. 👍
New engine in process: 94mm p&bs, 74mm C/w chomol Crank, 35.5x39 SP heads, turbo. Wierd combo, hopeful torque monsta!

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#730863
thats a front kit 😉
rears have 2 seals, and ones a needle bearing and the other ball bearing

good quality sets arent much more than that
last time i replaced all mine with timken or NTN bearings it was only about $75 for the set with seals

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#730880
Joel wrote:thats a front kit 😉
the bearings/seals? because thats what i need(front!)... Im doing front brakes first 🙂

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#730881
bajachris88 wrote:whose the supplier for that kit?

$60 for a whole set is a GREAT price!

don't forget ur new wheel seal kits. (paper gasket, 2 'o' rings and the grease seal for the outter rear bearing) as those seals in the pic are only for the rear inner bearing.
That kit is from Classicveedub.com.au

- they also have a "BRAKE HARDWARE KIT FRONT SUPER BUG "
which i am hoping has the gaskets and stuff you speak of 🙂

Not cheap cheap to do front breaks, but its gotta be better than what it is now 🙂

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#732002
I actually can't find the front brake service kit with the paper gaskets and o rings that you speak of Chris.... Any ideas? (i'll probs end up at micks grabbing it sometime :P )

I have now organised rear drum hubs from a 1302 - new shoes, and wheel cylinders - and used drums, which I will need to have machined.

I've also decided to bite the bullet and get stainless hoses all round from John Sherman, @ $35 each, its not worth having the weak point.

Any more ideas people??