Worn brake drums

jamsha71 Slammed & Awesome Dubber

88 posts · joined Oct 2008 · 7 Dec 2008, 6:58 pm

#683527

I'm piecing together a 71 Super Beetle and have finally got the gear to remove the rear brake drums (that nut is SO tight!).
The drum measures 233mm across its inside diameter, and I've read somewhere here that around 231 is the maximum recommended.
The shoes also show signs of uneven wear and I wonder if that's an indication of improper adjustment.
In any case the drums are beyond machining. Is it feasible to have them built up (diameter reduced) using metal spray, then following up with remachining?
Has anyone heard of this being done or are new drums easy enough to come by in Perth?
Any advice appreciated!
Jamie

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76 Kombi (current)
75 Kombi
71 Beetle
69 Beetle
69 Beetle

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 · 7 Dec 2008, 7:35 pm

#683546

I'm not sure about availability in Perth but the drums are available new from quite a few aftermarket suppliers in NSW,Vic & QLD . Tooley Imports in Hornsby,Classic Veedub at Rydalmere,Volksbahn,Vintage Veedub in NSW & Micks Motors in QLD are all good suppliers and can arrange postage or freight to wherever. If you need a phone number drop me a line or check the advertisers in VWMA. Regards Les

xornge666x Wolfsburg Wizard

460 posts · joined Sep 2006 · 8 Dec 2008, 9:02 am

#683619

check out Humpty's forum
http://www.noh2o.org/index.php
those guys will point you in the right direction.

You may find it cheaper to buy from George at Classic and have the items shipped. Depends how inflated the prices are due to location!

You can buy everything new for the brakes on your beetle... Dums, shoes, wheel cylinders, hardware kits etc etc.
If it has been sitting, probably a good idea to do the flexible brake hoses at the same time too.

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

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 8 Dec 2008, 1:56 pm

#683658

New brake drums are readily available just about everywhere...

I doubt if anyone would modify the brake drums...
very strict laws these days....

You will find brake shoe linings will always wear unevenly...

if the brake drum is worn out of round, it will cause the pedal to pulsate when you apply the brakes..

the shoes can drag....

As mentioned - I would [did] replace all the pins clips and brake cylinders and hoses associated with the rear brakes..
those pins clips & springs can make a mess of the brake drums and linings... if they let go or even wear out..

LEE

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

jamsha71 Slammed & Awesome Dubber

88 posts · joined Oct 2008 · 8 Dec 2008, 3:08 pm

#683671

Ahhh, legends!

Thanks for the tips fellas.

76 Kombi (current)
75 Kombi
71 Beetle
69 Beetle
69 Beetle