Rear axle nut torque - VW with 356B brakes

[rcroane]

Quick question for you Porsche guys....I have 356B drum brakes on my '65 VW bug. Should I torque the rear axle nut to VW specs or Porsche specs (much higher)?

Thanks.
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'65 Sunroof Bug

[turbotype1]

I used the VW spec on mine
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[rcroane]

Thanks. Would you (or anyone) know where I can find a video guide to servicing these brakes? I'm about to attempt it for the first time (first time servicing any brakes...I know how to adjust, but never had drums off).
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'65 Sunroof Bug

[pbenn]

Sorry, three weeks late, you've probably got them off by now.

FWIW, German-trained mechanics used to pull my drums (VW not Porsche) by:

1. car on a hoist, centre nut off
2. adjusters slackened about four cogs
3. pulling tire and wheel still attached to drum.

Now you need an old-fashioned drum measuring tool to say whether there's anything left to hone. Don't know the specs myself.

If there's one guy still in your town that resurfaces drums, maybe with a little stepvan with machinery inside, he may have the gauge.

Best of luck to you.

[Starbucket]

Buy a bently manual for your car as the brakes may be different they are all the same so what they say for vw will guide you on what to look for and replace. It's easy but you will need a small pair of vice grips to get the springs off and on and knowledge on how to bleed the brakes etc..

[roy mawbey]

Just be aware the Porsche drums are tightened to 400 ftlb torque the VW drums seem to be around half of that. Either way, it normally needs a 3/4 " drive breaker bar with extension pole ( or the special geared torque meister? ) to release the nut. The normal torque wrench does not go much past 150ft lb so be aware its tight!

I would make sure you note the value on trying to release the nut I guess its the 36mm castle nut you have with the split pin. If you use the breaker bar and an an extension pole support it if you can, take your weight and mark on the extension pole the distance to stand on it in feet.

I would as advised buy the book first to see the VW procedure. But keep in mind the high torque value of the Porsche drum when fitted to a 356.

Roy
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Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

[ALB]

The procedure for the VW rear axle nut is to torque to 217 ft. lbs. If the cotter pin doesn't fit, tighten more until it does. Al
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[EverettB]

I read this thread and was thinking about it and I can't see any reason to use the higher Porsche spec.

Changing the drum wouldn't affect anything, would it?
If you torque'd to the higher value you are putting more stress on the VW axles and other parts that are probably not designed for that pressure.

Interested in other opinions/facts.
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[Starbucket]

[roy mawbey]

Agree, its a strange situation regarding torque values. I have had the same thoughts as above. In the 356a factory manual the torque value is 350 ft lb and it seems only in recent years have people advised 400 ft lb.

Then principle is so similar VW to Porsche on the back end but such a difference in torque value. Thats why I advised he should try to establish the torque on the set up he has at the moment with the drums still on. He could mark the position of the nut and the shaft and the split pin hole before undoing. Would the forces applied at speed around bends be different with the big drums ?

The set up of the half shaft axial play with shims is different to the VW which has gaskets. It does need the book to be sure of what you are doing.!!

Roy
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Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

[Riff Raff]

The fact that the axles are directly interchangeable between VW and 356 transaxles, and capable of handling ~160 HP in their stock form, leads me to think that there would be no advantage to Porsche sourcing their own axles in that era.

Anyone have any cites to show the Porsche axles were different from VW?
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