Rear Wheel Bearings and Early Disks

[Zcat7]

Having a bit of a look at the suspension and brakes...

I have a squeak just started up and it's coming from the rear bearing. Any ballaches experienced in changing these? I seem to recall reading that they are an inteference fit (or one side is) but will presses and pullers be required? Also, what size socket do I need for the rear hub nut?

At the front both disks are shot so I'll be replacing them but is it easy/worth converting to the later setup while I'm at it (I have a 72 crossover) or is the early disk setup perfectly adequate (as it seems to be...).

 

[gvee]

I converted my '71 to later brakes about a year ago (http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=54972&start=140" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false and everything fit perfectly... but I had also swapped to my THaus spindles and whatnot from my old '72 already

I think you'll be fine. Worst case you'll need an adaptor kit (different bolts), I believe.

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

The main advantage of the later stuff is its much cheaper :mrgreen:

 

[bluenose]

I'm in the middle of converting my rear brakes to later style. The socket size is 46mm. I brought an industrial torque wrench for undoing it which makes light work of it.

The main problem I've had is I didn't want to use the ****** no name bearings all the suppliers sell. The inners are readily available from *** but the outers you can't get. I managed to find a set of NOS outer bearings but they were the only pair I could find online.

The parts #'s for the rear are
outer bearing ; 308-203(outer)-520228(inner) (*** 211501283d)

inner bearing; 6207

 

[lolight70]

Hi
Just posted a similar post in the general section
What master cylinder do you run with later brakes?
Does yours have a servo?
Mine is a 71 with discs and no servo,can i run later brakes without servo?
Thanx
Chris

 

[Zcat7]

Thanks Bluenose, sound advice. What's the beef with the currently available bearing;, are the really poor quality in that they don't last, don't ft etc?

What is ***? (Or do you mean VAG?)

 

[Zcat7]

Lolight70 - meant to say early disks, no servo. Also no servo mount on the front beam so I assume that this was standard.

I'm guessing that it was considered an upgrade going from front drums to disks and hence a servo was not in scope at that point in time?

 

[bluenose]

Thanks Bluenose, sound advice. What's the beef with the currently available bearing;, are the really poor quality in that they don't last, don't ft etc?

What is ***? (Or do you mean VAG?)

just from some searching I'd read of people having issues with the fit and lastability of them and concluded they were cheap no name tat. *** is a bearing brand.

I haven't bothered putting a servo on mine

 

[Zcat7]

Got it. Thanks Bluenose

 

[Mags]

I didn't bother to upgrade my setup to the later style as you can buy it all brand new from these guys now: http://brakeparts.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Far far cheaper than the VW specialists. I bought brand new calipers, pads fitting kits etc and they were identical to my existing ones, I just measured the gaps between the pistons and the thickness of the discs and pads required to ensure I got the right year.

Mags

 

[Zcat7]

Well Bluenose was right. I took a chance and went with what my regular supplier had. The inner bearing was fine (but it was a VW part...). The out bearing (2 piece) was unfortunately, tat! Once pressed into place the inner sleeve no longer fitted as the cage obviously crimped in too much. I imagine I'll get sent a replacement but it's all very annoying as I'd hoped to get it all done today. I must say that I've had a raft of ***** aftermarket parts since buying my bus, stuff that just doesn't work and it's bloody annoying!

As it turns out I need a new backing plate now as the old one has rusted through behind the adjuster so I guess I'll wait and do it all in one go. Mind you, any advice on avoiding dodgy backing plates..?

Well that's the bank holiday trip up the poo pipe

 

[Zcat7]

New bearing received and fitted fine. Cool Air were great as always and it turns out that in trying to quickly get me a part that they didn't have on the shelf they had used a supplier that they don't usually get this part from and hence we had the problem. Lesson learned all round I guess.

Heed Bluenose's advice, look for good quality bearings and save time.

By the way, Cool Air's backing plates are genuine VW so no problems.