Early and late brakes question

[dekhelia]

Had a search on the forum for clarity on this, but couldn't find an answer. My camper is a 1986 (though registered as an '81 - long story), so it falls into the manufacture period in which it could have either kind of front brake setup. I want to replace the discs and pads for MOT, but how do I tell which type to order?

Also, with part of the front wheel bearing being incorporated into the disc, do I need to install new bearings while I'm at it?

[California Dreamin]

I think I am right in saying that if you go onto Brickwerks website you can 'reference' your chassis number against an 'UP TO & this date onwards' chassis number.

Otherwise....you will have to have a looksee and what you have fitted....square brake pads with twin pot calipers are (early) ...crescent shaped pads with single pot (piston) sliding brake calipers are late.

There are also different makes of caliper, however, that doesn't effect brake pad or disc choice, simply early pads and discs OR... late pads and discs.
Do you have to replace the wheel bearings......short answer is NO, however, re-using the old bearings will involve their removal and close inspection before refitting to the new discs. However, as this seems to be a difficult task for some, they choose to make life a little easier and fit new bearings regardless, baring in mind that you still have to drift the new bearing races into the new disc's.
I believe if you ask Brickwerks nicely and order the parts from them, they have fitted the races into the discs fOC before for others..

Martin

[dekhelia]

That's great, thanks very much.

[nevill3]

If you go to this page at Brickwerks parts selector and enter your vin/chassis number you will get a page that lists all the relevant details of your van.

I did this when I first got mine and printed the page and keep as a quick reference guide. Obviously this isn't infallible because over the long life of any van previous owners make modifications and upgrades often without making a note of what they have changed.

Nev

[dekhelia]

Thanks for the replies fellas. The Brickwerx tool is very useful - but it has made the issue somewhat more complicated. The van I have that I thought was an '86 is apparently not, now.

Basically, I bought it as an import from Lithuania. Guy was working as a dentist here, seemed kosher. I took it to Brickwerx to have some work done, only to be told that it had two different VIN plates. The one inside the passenger door frame didn't match the other two (paper one near fusebox, and the other one on the chassis rigger).

The van, Brickwerx said, could possibly be stolen - as thieves often weren't aware of the 'hidden' VIN plates, and so only replaced the passenger door one.

Anyway. Reading from the different VINs, the van is either an '81 or an '82. Both of these feature a double-bolt clamp on the anti-roll bar, and a metal fuel filler pipe. But my van doesn't have either of these. Single-bolt clamp, and plastic filler pipe.

So I'm confused. Looks like I'll have to order any replacement parts by getting part nos off whatever comes off. Sigh. Just what you need at MOT time, eh?

[California Dreamin]

Really mate....don't stress, get a torch, turn the steering on full lock and have a look from the inside of the wheel, its really easy to SEE the difference. OR...take a picture and post it on here, no biggie.

Martin

[California Dreamin]

Early brand new discs and pad set in the 'For Sale' section.
However......cheaper at EuroCarParts and Free Post

Martin