Can we talk MK1 brakes for a second?

[Jace]

I'm needing rotors at a minimum for RWC.

So I know there's a few direct bolt-up options for a MK1.
What's the cheapest, easiest, most common upgrade for a car like mine, you guys?
(or what are all the options, pros and cons of each I suppose)


Right now, I'm not fussed about making my car stop fast or handle well. I just need to get it on the road.
But I'll probably be looking to upgrade down the track sometime, so I'm happy to stretch the budget now to save doing it later.


(by the way, i tried searching )

[static1800]

Few options out there;

You can get GTI rotors and calipers which go straight on, these also came on late model cabrio's. I am running these atm and are much better than standard.

Another option is getting your new stock rotors and giving the entire braking system a once over, so check the booster, master cylinder and lines for leaks, check the rear drums for leaks and adjust them. I think you can get kits to replace all the seals in things in the master cylinder which even if you do upgrade would be a good idea. You can also check the bar that runs across the firewall for any play and adjust, not sure how much this helps though.

You can put in a Seat booster setup which helps, couple of threads on here about it. Jarred and Pete Jones both have threads going over the process

[captainvw]

sorry dont know how to create a link check out the Pete Jones do it yourself thread ........

[Preen59]

Depends on your budget..

In you just want RWC, get everything sweet and give it all a service. If you want some better braking, get some GTI hardware. Straight bolt on (just need some proportioning valves and some different lines at the end) and you're set.

That is of course, only MY opinion.

[Jace]

Having to replace them mostly because the front discs have a 1.5mm lip all the way around!
I'm a brake system n00b by the way haha.
I've done pads before, not fluid or plumbing etc.

I just need to do it for RWC. So I can basically just replace the rotors (& pads while I'm there) and be all set.

[Peter Jones]

I've covered brakes system upgrades in these project threads.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f55/...ect-24078.html

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f55/...ace-13857.html

This is how you do a booster conversion.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f20/...mk1-11689.html

Here's some more stuff.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f20/...tos-13700.html

and yet more.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f13/...its-11535.html

Here's how you upgrade the rears.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f20/...k-i-11719.html

If you liked that you might also like

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f13/...ory-11723.html

Or perhaps this.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f13/...job-11595.html

and that's just the stuff I wrote.

I'd be surprised if you can read all of that and have any questions left.

In reality MK1 brakes are pretty good. Look at the reviews from back in the day. If yours suck they probably just need fixing, they are 30 years old after all.

[lawny]

Mate I can help if u want, I just did mine not long ago. Got all my stuff from clutch and brake in little ryrie st. They can even just machine the discs u have in there already for like $20 each if I remember right. Seen as it's just for a rwc this would be the cheapest and easiest way.

[Jace]

That sounds like a good option Mark. I'll get onto them once I've got another permit. :roll_eyes:

Peter, thanks a lot for that!
I wasn't aware you'd written up so much on it/everything. I did look, obviously not hard enough!