Skip to content
Aussieveedubbers

Do i really need disc brake backing plates on front?

0 likes
Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on Reddit
Log in to reply

bajachris88 The international telephone dialing code for Antarctica is 6

6,661 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·

#814930
Hi,

Just fitting the thing arms and spindles...

They are drum brake but have the caliper adapters to suit to fit stock bug disc brakes. Unfortunately the brake backing plate bolt pattern for the drums is different to the original disc brake backing plate bolt pattern. Even the ID of the back of the spindle into the backing plate is different.

Can i just leave it out?
Do i really need backing plates for disks on the front?

only risk is slight premature wear due to contaminants getting between disc and brake pad?

Thanks guys,
Chris.
(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!

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 ·

#814934
I don't run backing plates on either my front or rear discs... hasn't caused me any issues so far.
VWDCQ vice pres & web dude - vwdcqinc.org.au
Join a car club - get car peeps

My toys
'70 Hillclimb Bug 'Jezebel' w/- Haltech EFI - http://bit.ly/VwTNtQ
'60 KG Coupe - resto kinda started
01 New Beetle - gf's car, but I turn the spanners

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#814941
bajachris88 wrote:Hi,

Just fitting the thing arms and spindles...

They are drum brake but have the caliper adapters to suit to fit stock bug disc brakes. Unfortunately the brake backing plate bolt pattern for the drums is different to the original disc brake backing plate bolt pattern. Even the ID of the back of the spindle into the backing plate is different.

Can i just leave it out?
Do i really need backing plates for disks on the front?

only risk is slight premature wear due to contaminants getting between disc and brake pad?

Thanks guys,
Chris.
Hi Chris,

I don't think they are a necessity ...
but depends on whether the Guy inspecting Your car might??

Lee
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#814978
I took mine off over 10 years ago cos they rubbed on 14" rims.

They're supposed to be a slash gaurd, I've driven through plenty of torrential rain and never had a drama

colonel mustard Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,829 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#814993
mine were left off on the overhaul last month... 🙂

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#815032
They make a big difference in keeping water off the disc rotors. My old baja had none and I definately noticed the difference in wet weather, puddles effected the brakes more withot the covers.

Having said that, my thing stubs also have none. No plans to bother either, but I noticed Mike Sharp fitted some to thing stubs, so it can be done.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

bajachris88 The international telephone dialing code for Antarctica is 6

6,661 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·

#815150
Thanks guys 👍

yea will do without for the moment... trying to smash this beast quickly for straddie @ new yrs. 🙂
(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!