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

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 🙂

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.......

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 🙂)

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....

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

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

Cheers Col

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...

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Joel wrote:thats a front kit 😉

the bearings/seals? because thats what i need(front!)... Im doing front brakes first 🙂

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 🙂

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??