1991 VW Syncro calipers and brakes question

[everyhumanvw]

Getting a Syncro back up to snuff starting with the brakes. Was my dad's van here in Michigan and he did not do the underbody washes and drove it in winter. Have had several brake lines replaced. Brought some new old stock Girlings to my mechanic and found out the van must take the ATE calipers. Am wondering if I can get still get ATE calipers and carriers or if not what is best option for stock replacement. I also need the caliper carriers which the NOS Girlings did not come with.

Just found this at vanagain.com: "Most of the '86-91 Syncro Vanagons used the Girling Caliper. If you have a Syncro, my advice would be to just replace these in pairs. No one has any late ATE calipers that I know of. They are interchangeable as long as you replace them in pairs you are good to go." My mechanic seemed to not know or not think I could change out both of the ATE calipers with the NOS Girlings I have once carriers are found. Either way still need carriers and backing plates as they are also corroded. Were Girling or ATE calipers and carriers better? Any advice much appreciated!!!

[davevickery]

This might be a good way to go.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2192199

[everyhumanvw]

[ajdenette]

I can verify as long as you have complete calipers with their mounting brackets they will fit on a late model Syncro I installed some on mine many years ago when I re built my brakes. I did have a little issue on one wheel that had some corrosion causing a reduced diameter a little wire wheeling and the slight clicking went away.
_________________
1985 2wd Westy with 2000 Subaru 2.2 current driver
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=685635
1986 Syncro Doka Project next in line
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732777
1990 Vanagon Syncro Base awaiting body work

[davevickery]

[SyncroChrick]

Talk about timing...I am also just doing the brakes on my 1988 Syncro. Took everything apart today.

The caliper piston is rather rusted and the dust boot is very dry. I called around for a set of calipers - $51 each. At this price I am just going to replace them.
But the guy asked if I had ATE or Girling.

I went with Girling...I could not find a 'G' on them, nor an ATE. Just a VW/Audi logo, a MO. I am hoping it's the correct one. I'll take a picture tomorrow and post it up.

[crazyvwvanman]

The guide pins areas are the obvious visual difference. The Girling has 2 plainly visible 13mm head m8 bolts that attach the caliper at the guides.
The ATE has no such bolts, but the 2 ATE guide pins have allen socket holes for removing the pins from the ATE carrier. There are usually rubber plugs hiding the allen holes.

VW Parts shows the ATE fitted beginning in 1989 model year.
This is another omission from the Bentley, nothing about the late ATE calipers.
Above is for 86+ calipers.

Mark

[davevickery]

Here are some from my '89 Model Year Syncro van with a mfg date of 6/88.

[SyncroChrick]

Do you know if these are Girling or ATE? they look identical to mine.

[SyncroChrick]

[crazyvwvanman]

Those are ATE. See the small allen bolt holes in the guide pins.

(also the stylized ATE cast in the top like the VW)

VW Parts says at start of 89 model year for 2wd.
I didn't check Syncros, which were built in a different factory/country until the near very end.

EDIT: just checked Syncros, VW says ATE starting late in 88 model year.
88 vin# 105001 and later. Very last of 88 Syncro production.

Of course 89 model production began in summer of 88 so you have to check the VIN year letter to see actual MODEL year,
J=88
K=89


Mark

[SyncroChrick]

Yes I do have ATE - now I know for sure. I went to NAPA and look it up.

Duh, I just realized my Syncro is 1989, not 88.
VIN is WV2YB025XKG000279

Now it all makes sense...

[Steve M.]

Just for your info.
VW passat, Audi A6 2003 Quattro is wearing them as well as a whole host of others.
Your easiest search engine is Rock Auto, just got through the years on Audi.

[url]
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=2039832&cc=1411311&jsn=555[/url]

[url]
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/audi,2003,a6,3.0l+v6,1411311,brake+&+wheel+hub[/url]

I was just in a salvage yard yesterday and saw at least 6 cars with them, Passats and one Audi A6 which doesn't have them anymore along with it's 312mm rotors.

Rebuild kit is only 3-4 bucks.
_________________
This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[Steve M.]

[clift_d]

Brickwerks have remanufactured ATE and Girling calipers and also sell guide pins for both separately:

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/t3-parts/t3-syncro/brakes/front.html?limit=30
_________________
1988 LHD T25 1.6TD Westfalia Club Joker syncro

[everyhumanvw]

Girling or ATE calipers for replacement???? Any opinions on the better caliper and carrier?

Found these remanufact Girling
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/agb-frc3764

and these ATE's

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaz-19b1430

[Steve M.]

[everyhumanvw]

UPDATE NEARLY 4 MONTHS LATER: Still waiting on ATE caliper and bracket rebuilds from Summit Racing.

Someone above says these Audi ATE brake calipers from RockAuto fit, but they look different and part number different.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=2039832&cc=1411311&jsn=555[/url]

So, seems best option is to swap out to Girling calipers and brackets with guide pin bolts.