Board Logo

Worn brake drums
jamsha71 - December 7th, 2008 at 06:58 PM

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


grumble - December 7th, 2008 at 07:35 PM

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 - December 8th, 2008 at 09:02 AM

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 - December 8th, 2008 at 01:56 PM

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


jamsha71 - December 8th, 2008 at 03:08 PM

Ahhh, legends!

Thanks for the tips fellas.