Front brakes and bearings

Big lumps of metals and spanners.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Locked
User avatar
vic20
Registered user
Posts: 90
Joined: 16 Jun 2007, 21:32
80-90 Mem No: 3522
Location: Norwich

Front brakes and bearings

Post by vic20 »

Just got throught the MOT, but the helpful chap there did say that i will soon need new pads and discs at the front, and also one of the front bearings is beggining to show signs of wear.

My question is twofold really. Where best to get bearings [read earlier not GSF]. While i am changing the pads/discs is it possible [and worthwhile] to upgrade them?

Many thanks
Joe

85 van btw
Camping up Norfolk....Mostly

User avatar
junior
Registered user
Posts: 4
Joined: 13 Nov 2007, 20:01
80-90 Mem No: 4415
Location: Colchester,Essex

Post by junior »

hi Joe, gsf maybe good for some items but wheel bearings aint one of em i replaced my fronts about 2 years ago these being bought from just kampers and have nad no troubles.
as for discs i upgraded and bought brembo fronts which i feel offer more bite than standard ones, these did come from gsf but to be honest even these have limits as i found out in wales at easter, fully loaded camper three people on board made for some interesting moments :D

you can upgrade to bigger discs that are vented using vw, audi ,seat parts they share the same stud pattern ,been looking into it myself its all about how much you want to spend i guess.
have a look at futbus.com they do brake upgrades.

Ken
Home is where you park it.

member 4415

User avatar
vic20
Registered user
Posts: 90
Joined: 16 Jun 2007, 21:32
80-90 Mem No: 3522
Location: Norwich

Re: Front brakes and bearings

Post by vic20 »

junior wrote:have a look at futbus.com they do brake upgrades.

Ken

Many thanks. Has anyone used Futbus as never heard of them, but if all OK might go this route
Camping up Norfolk....Mostly

Simon Baxter
Trader
Posts: 3116
Joined: 08 Oct 2005, 19:36
80-90 Mem No: 1
Location: Huddersfield, WeYo.
Contact:

Post by Simon Baxter »

There is not much you really need to do to the brakes other than have them looked after properly, remember they were designed for 2.1 112hp vans.
When was the last time the brake fluid was changed?
Sliders and pistons free in the calipers?
Wheel cylinders free? leaking?
Backplates in good order?
Discs above minimum thickness?
Much left on pads? free in the caliper? correct anti rattle shims fitted on early models?

All basic stuff really.

Biggest problem is no one having the correct tool for adjusting the drum brakes, this is the single most useful thing you can own if you regularly service brakes.

Personally I wouldn't bother with any brake "Conversions" as the standard ones are quite up to the job, if they are working as VW intended.
'86 VW T3 syncro panel
'89 VW T3 Westy Atlantic
'81 Porsche 924
SJ Baxter LTD/Brickwerks

User avatar
R0B
Moderator
Posts: 19388
Joined: 07 Oct 2005, 17:33
80-90 Mem No: 864
Location: Cheshire

Post by R0B »

i would try baxter.i think its safe to say if its sh*te. he wont sell it....http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php?p ... t&Itemid=6

Where best to get bearings
2.1 LPG/Petrol Auto Caravelle

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits"

thmpptrck
Registered user
Posts: 5
Joined: 21 Apr 2006, 07:36
80-90 Mem No: 0
Location: Nottingham

Post by thmpptrck »

For Bearings look up up your local Eriks Service Centre,

Or let me know what is stamped on your bearing? i will get them dropped in to your local branch!. (And get you a good discount)
I know on a bay it is 11749/11710 And 45449/45410 i think the t25 is the same if some one can confirm?
What i will say is if you are changing bearing change both bearings on both axles! I.e both fronts or both rears, uneven wear on bearings can cause drag uneven tyre wear etc...

I work for one of europes leading bearing supplier and sell bucket loads of um, if you can look for SKF, NSK or Timken Bearings they are the 3 best brands out there! (FAG or INA also good brands.)
I only fit them to my cars/vans and will only supply those brands to friends and family!

Through experiance and knowing it pays to spend more on things like bearings, as you life depends onn them not failing and i have seen some of the crap being imported from china and far east. And had to repair damage after they have failed!

If anyone wants any advice on bearings or makes i would be more than happy to help!
Cheers Pat,

www.eriks.co.uk

Locked