Tom's Baja Bug

VW Beetle Repair
and Photos

 

Body/Paint

FAQ 32

Question: How much does it cost to change the front brakes to disc brakes, and is it adviseable?

Answer: Price seems to start around USD for front disc systems. Rear disc with an emergency brake is seems to be more like . I only know from reading advertising in the VW magazines. The VW discs on Karman Ghias are actually heavier (in pounds or grams) than the stock drums. The disc will have better stopping. Modern discs are lighter than the drum brakes. My Bug could use better brakes, but if I have a panic stop (very fast, and as hard as I can press on the brake pedal) my front tires skid! Never the back. All the weight in a Bug is in the rear, unlike most other cars. My conclusion is that brakes are kind of complex, and until I can find an expert, or spend about experimenting, I'll just keep my drum brakes. Maybe I'll look for a modern brake shoe. Keep in mind that carbon-metallic brakes do not work well when cold (which is most of your braking).

keywords: faq32 all brakes disk rotor
 
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