Removal and installation front brake pads (VW Beetle)

Removal

Remove the brake drum.

Using pliers, press on the pressure spring, grasp the pin from behind and turn it so that it can be removed.

Using pliers, remove the left brake shoe spring and remove the shoe by hand.

For vehicles with front suspension with shock absorber struts: remove 3 brake shoe springs (see photo below "Front suspension brake components on shock absorber struts").

Installation

Please note: Brake pads come in different thicknesses. The nominal thickness of the brake pads used in the vehicles described is 3.8-4.0 mm. If the brake drum has been rebored, thicker pads are required (4.3-4.5 mm).

Please note: Brake pads are typically replaced on all axles (front or back). For safety reasons, only brake pads of the same type should be used.

Clean the threads on the adjusting nuts and bolts and lightly lubricate them.

Move the brake cuff on the brake piston and check the wheel brake cylinder for leaks; replace the cylinder if necessary.

Place the brake shoe spring on both shoes and install them.

Insert the pins from behind, install the pressure spring and plate, turning the latter so that the pin is fixed.

Install the second brake shoe spring using pliers.

In vehicles with front suspension on shock absorber struts: install 3 brake shoe springs (see photo below "Front suspension brake components on shock absorber struts").

Reinstall the brake pads completely.

Install the brake drum and adjust the wheel hub bearing play (see section "Checking and adjusting the play of wheel hub bearings").

Adjust the brake pads (see section above "Adjusting drum brakes").

Install the wheel, lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel mounting bolts to 130 Nm (13 kgfm).