TheSamba.com :: View topic - Has anyone rebuilt a set of 356 B brakes?

Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:21 pm

I have just purchased a set of Porsche 356 B brakes. Looking to get tips from anybody out there that has rebuilt a set of these. :?

Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:24 pm

I'd get ahold of a person that restores 356 cars and ask where to send the drums to get redone. The cylinders, shoes, and misc pieces can be had from places like pelican parts.

good luck.

Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:37 pm

Try Vic Skirmants at 356enterprises.com - I know he has his own brakes bits made, maybe he can steer you in the right direction.

Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:46 am

Make sure you are sitting down when you hear what wheel cylinders cost (Around $100 each...times 6!) Wheel cylinder rebuild kits can be had for a little over ten bucks. You will need 4 kits. The front cylinders (4 front cylinders) only need 1/2 of a rebuild kit each. Try to get the newer type kits that have an O-ring on the aluminum piston instead of a rubber plug that goes behind the aluminum piston as the stock one does. The aluminum pistons in the cylinders have a habit of corroding and swelling up. Hopefully yours aren't stuck so you won't need a torch and air nozzle to blast them apart. You need a brake cylinder hone available at most auto tool sources. The normal 3 stone wheel cylinder hone won't fit the small bore of the Porsche wheel cylinder and you will have to hunt for two stone version. Shoes are around $20 per shoe with good ($25per shoe) core. Drums can be resleeved for the cost of a running VW.

Fri Mar 25, 2005 9:33 am

I paid 2k for relined drums, all wheel cylinders, master cylinder, backing plates, and all hardware... ready to bolt on, 4 years ago... I'd be curious what a set like that would cost today considering some of the prices Ive seen.

Tue Apr 05, 2005 5:42 am

I am just rebuilding a set of front "b" brakes.

I took them all apart, and my first job was to get the backing plates blasted and painted - not essential, but it gives you a nice base.

My shoes were really good, and the springs etc were all fine, so I gave them a clean with a rag and brake cleaner. I will be putting these back together in the next few days.

As someone else mentioned, the problem is the cylinders. I took mine apart, as they were seized. My intention is to clean out the bores the best I can, and install new pistons. I will see how these go back together before installing them. If you get it done properly, I think it is possible to have an engineer re-bore/ insert a sleeve in the cylinders, which will be cheaper than buying new ones.

The last thing I did was gently go over the drums with a wire brush attachment on a drill. My drums had a layer of dirt and grime on, the wire brush cut straight through this, back to the metal. Do go to mad with it though, as you could badly scratch the alluminium! If you are vain, you could send the drums to a polisher, so they can weave their magic.

Si.

Tue Apr 05, 2005 5:45 am

by the way, as you are in the UK, you could try Roger Bray restorations for parts!

Si.

Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:00 pm

Here is a number for a guy that relines them, martin, 719 330 0085 it was about 240.00 a drum 2-3 years ago. And there is a guy on the samba bill brown or bob brown that bore's and relines with stainless sleeve's for about 450.00 for all 6 wheel cylinders. Soak your seized wheel cylinders in tranny fluid for a couple days before trying to take them apart. Hope this helps

Tue Oct 18, 2011 8:08 pm

Bill does nice work.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=585934