VW Bus Disc Brake Conversion!

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

Cool vid, guys! Just put an EMPI kit on the fronts of my '58, left the rear drums, and the kit came with a 2lb residual pressure thingy valve to put on the rear line coming outta the dual MC...something about distributing the pressure properly. Anywho, they work great, a worthwhile upgrade!

[@ksj138]

I have a CSP kit for my '66 I just installed. There is NO anti-sieze on any of the caliper bracket or caliper mount. Blue thread locker only.

[@VWLifeVW]

ah okay

[@DanTheManIOM]

@@VWLifeVW years ago, added discs to my 79 super....ditto for the thread locker...I was hitting the brakes and said, what is that clunking noise ? (don't worry, flat country roads with no traffic) the caliper bolts had backed themselves out !!

[@dannycaudill70]

Love to see more of that blue beetle in the background. Looking NICE!!!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes we need to do a project on Tommie's 59!

[@JWClassicVW]

That would be super cool to do a show featuring each other's individual rides in more detail.

[@panel11111111]

Every video should be like this when working underneath your bus , upside down ! It's exactly how you view it. This will be a great help for someone doing this job. You don't even have to turn you head upside down when watching the vid ! Thanks !!!

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Marc!

[@chrishomel9558]

I've never been so entertained by a brake replacement video. Nicely done gents. lol. Hey, five feet could have saved the life of many bus noses. Keep the videos coming.

[@VWLifeVW]

Glad you enjoyed it and you got that right!

[@JakeTaylor1646]

Those are nice brakes but you not only gained 5 feet if you watched carefully you gain more stability in bringing the bus to a stop also the thing will stop better in wet weather conditions nice job! Jake from Hotsprings Arkansas

[@VWLifeVW]

That is a true statement indeed! We were conservative. Also at higher speeds we believe that the games will be even better so let's say it's 60 we estimate at least 15 ft of less stopping distance. We don't really want to break something on the bus and test something like that so....

[@VWLifeVW]

Oh yes also in wet conditions should be a huge improvement over drum brakes that is correct sir!

[@junkman6456]

You could use a parachute to shorten the brake distance lol

[@chiplitch]

Guys that was really good. Great amount of visual tech. Well done

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks chip! We try to keep it fun and informative

[@marcijunebug]

Great video gentlemen! Happy holidays! 👍

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks for Marci we are hope you have a great holiday season as well!

[@JWClassicVW]

Happy Holidays Marci!! Just watched Pickle getting set-up on the rotisserie, very cool!

[@CA-gk1bl]

What a fantastic teaching guys man you hit it on the money. I appreciate the footage on the master cylinder bleed and installing it back on. My 64 beetle needs these all the way around nice to no your going to stop. Thanks Vw Life.

[@VWLifeVW]

Our pleasure!

[@tonypotts3769]

That's so awesome! Great work fellas!

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Tony!

[@HapticGarage]

Great video guys, love the vibe of your channel. Five feet may not sound like much of a gain until you're in the moment- could make all the difference! It was a great idea to include those tests!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes sir you know it! And at 30 miles an hour that's not really the best test for disc brakes the higher speed test I think would actually have even more surprising results. Also we didn't mention the performance in the rain is highly improved over stock

[@OldVolksTV]

Nicely done! I just ordered the same kit for my bus. Now I know how to install it!

[@VWLifeVW]

Dude awesome!

[@scottpella7419]

Awesome video! Once you get some miles on the brakes and the pads bed -in, they will be much better! Adjusting drag on the rear brakes helps too. I've got CSP disc brakes on my split bus, I've had a few panic stops that without a seatbelt...would of been face-to-windshield!! Glad you guys tested these...because there were a lot of Samba questions answered in 16 minutes of video!! Good job guys!

[@VWLifeVW]

Hahaha thanks Scott actually I went out to the samba and I search for disc brakes and I found the thread that had the most comments and I put a post of this video. I hope it helps but you know how those forums can get

[@WideFive]

Really great to see you actually tested the brakes! Keep growing that beard Matt Jackson!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yeah the spindles are going to need a rebuild 😎

[@WideFive]

@@VWLifeVW I know a guy that can handle that for you 👍🏼

[@VWLifeVW]

When you lift up on the spindles they clunk. Assuming it's the worn kingpins

[@WideFive]

@@VWLifeVW ugh, clunking isn't good. Yeah, might need to replace a king pin or two if they can't be repaired. Just depends how bad they are. Nothing that can't be fixed though.

[@JWClassicVW]

Yes!! I really liked the brake testing as well, not sure I would have done it before really getting those pads seated in well. Not sure if that is still a thing though, I remember when we used to install pads with new rotors for GM vehicles there was a seating process to ensure they didn't separate from the backing plate. I think it was like 50 miles or so...

[@grahames9228]

Merry Christmas from an Australian Beetle owner. Keep up the good vids in 2020.

[@VWLifeVW]

Hey we'll do our best to keep up the videos! And you make sure not to hit a roo!

[@whatsstefon]

It’s nice seeing a kit that doesn’t require further machining or “modifying” to fit.

[@VWLifeVW]

Yeah great kit!

[@whatsstefon]

VW Life looks like it. Would you say it would fit a Super Beetle as well, or are there different kits for that? I’m going through getting my newly acquired bug running. Just got the engine purring, though it’s dropping revs and stalling only when braking when rolling up to lights and stop signs. So more investigation is required. I’ll also be replacing all suspension bushes and maybe wheel bearings soon. I think the engine mounts (gear box mounts) are shot too. Lots more to do to this running resto.

[@luischavez5572]

Great video boys !!!! Keep em coming ,very enjoyable to watch ! And great , how to do stuff !!! I guess I’ll do my 66 bus also !!!!

[@VWLifeVW]

Awesome! Thanks make sure to tell socal imports that vw life sent you.!

[@leenderdhoutzager9389]

Thanks for the interesting video, hope I can do it here in South Africa

[@VWJawbreaker]

Can’t beat disk brakes on a VW, well worth the investment. Nice job on the video.

[@VWLifeVW]

Yep definitely nice to have thanks Gary

[@NigelNaughton]

Nice complete kit for the wide 5. Been looking for something like this for my 1963 deluxe 23 window sunroof. Thanks guys.

[@VWLifeVW]

Yep these work with 14" rims!

[@gustavopadilla9176]

Hungry already,,,,,nice brake kit

[@charleslawrence7194]

You guys look like you know what you're doing! I may have to move to the hill country. It's pretty cool here. Love the channel.

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes we pretend to know what we're doing. It looks like we're pulling it off if you think we know what we're doing

[@jordansmith4289]

Looks like a nice clean conversion!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes it's a good one

[@Mikefngarage]

busses by the bridge? coming up in AZ next month.

[@VWLifeVW]

No, but Jason will from old volks TV

[@CTmoog]

The VW Life gang back at it! Nice job guys! =)

[@VWLifeVW]

That's right back in the garage getting s*** done!

[@stevevisek7422]

Nice how to on the brake install, guys! It really doesn't look that hard. Impressive results.

[@VWLifeVW]

Cool glad you liked it. Yeah not sure too bad.

[@JWClassicVW]

Super cool guys!! I really enjoyed this video as I plan on putting some disc brakes on Goose in 2020... Would really like to see how those brakes do with some fade testing and how much cooler they stay.

[@VWLifeVW]

Yeah it should be a good upgrade!

[@hanknipper3921]

Great video Little Dude! Thanks for the Christmas card Brother!

[@VWLifeVW]

Hey hank! Merry Christmas

[@dennisc.1189]

That is a nice dis brake kit from So-Cal that looks like it is easy to put on.

[@VWLifeVW]

It's not bad at all, sure we condensed it into 15 minutes but overall pretty good kit.

[@junkman6456]

@@VWLifeVW Who made the discs and the calipers? Brembo? ATE?

[@VWLifeVW]

@@junkman6456 ac industries

[@tonyhoyt]

Great stuff guys! I have a ‘70 bus with a disc brake upgrade. I’d like to add dropped spindles. Will they work with the set-up you installed here? Thx.

[@geoffreyjones2000]

Happy holidays guys

[@VWLifeVW]

Happy holidays to you sir we hope it's a good time for you

[@Splashdown99]

Another great episode! I'm definitely overdue for new brakes.

[@VWLifeVW]

Well don't neglect your brakes! Make sure you take care of it,

[@ianmccoy1999]

What tires are those? They look really good.

[@ANDRE-VW]

That's a nice vídeo guys, I'm thinking to install a double master cilinder, safety first. Here in Brazil we used to use the modern bus (Bay Window after 75) master cilinder. Congrats guys

[@VWLifeVW]

Very cool! Yeah might be a good idea

[@rundoetx]

This was a great fun teaching video. Loved it. Thanks guys.

[@VWLifeVW]

Ah thanks as always for watching!

[@scottalvey1787]

Great job guys! It’s to have friends to assist. Wish I lived closer....

[@VWLifeVW]

Yep many hands make light work

[@loudawggvw9721]

When bleeding the system on the front calipers there’s two bleeder valves. Do you bleed the bottoms or tops?

[@VWLifeVW]

Bleed the Top to get the air out.

[@alanfilip8896]

Happy holidays Thanks for all the content

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Alan! Happy holidays

[@mayinnlin1879]

Awesome show! Thank you so much. You guys are awesome! 👍😊

[@VWLifeVW]

You rock!

[@Kingstonsmac]

Great job fellas ! 🤙🏼

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks 👍

[@JWClassicVW]

Very cool work!! I like how they pained the rotors, great job guys.

[@bigjohn4574]

Im liking the front Mud Flaps. COOL . Where can I get a pair ?

[@VWLifeVW]

I took standard mud flaps and just fit them to be able to fit the bus. I basically made some custom mounts. It's not hard really you just have to screw it into the jack points

[@kevinhamling1963]

G'day Kevin from Australia. This brand of disc brake kit seems to be one of the best. I've just installed one of these kits on the front of my 63 🐞 (Betsie) Looking forward to some feedback. ✌ Peace man.

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Kevin we hope you guys get some rain we heard about the fires

[@mikelowe3689]

Nice! And I just happen to be installing my disc brakes on the 62 Panel this weekend 😉 oh and knocking out the center pin...

[@VWLifeVW]

Oh that's always a fun one! Do you have the reamer and drift to do the PIN?

[@nathanday01]

Just watching this. Man, I miss eating indoors with friends.

[@VWLifeVW]

ha ha yeah

[@livinthelife6056]

Great show ! Love the testing and the push up keep those oldish bones in shape 😂

[@VWLifeVW]

Oldish indeed 😁

[@JWClassicVW]

@@VWLifeVW lol push-ups!! I can do like 60... bring it!! KZbin Push up contest!! lol

[@VWLifeVW]

@@JWClassicVW seriously?

[@JWClassicVW]

@@VWLifeVW yup!!

[@ernestogallardo6720]

Great 👍 that’s what I have on mind that’s one of the thing I’m gonna do in my 68 a disc brakes convert Great vídeo all ways love your videos 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Ernesto! Yeah it was fun to donate this one

[@JWClassicVW]

Definitely a must-do upgrade!!! Can't wait to do mine!

[@ernestogallardo6720]

Any good brand ???

[@ernestogallardo6720]

Any good brand ???

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Ernesto! Yeah it was fun to do this one

[@aikenbrentkrahmer2275]

Another GREAT episode! Especially liked the step-by-step-instructions when installing the new brakes in combination with the little workout contest and the cheerful mood in the workshop. Lunch brake appeared a little too short though, couldn't even tell which burger place you crashed down this time. Top Notch? Whataburger? Harvest? ;)

[@VWLifeVW]

Okay will try to make that little lunch segment a little longer than thanks for watching!

[@fmagalhaes1521]

@VWLife. Do you plan on doing a rear disc brake conversion for a VW van? Just curious…

[@VWLifeVW]

not really

[@Doubleodude]

Sweet Conversion!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yeah this one was pretty fun to do!

[@andytunnicliffe8082]

Great video chaps. How much would you charge to install this kit on my 1970 Bay Window if I brought it all to you? I do not have the tools or the space to do it.

[@VWLifeVW]

we generally don't do repairs, but if you are in the Austin Area we have someone that can do it for you just email us a [e-mail]

[@nickel1008]

I just recently put discs on my beetle from a.c. industries too. And I replaced the MC. I cannot get the brake pedal to be firm at the top, it only firms up after 30% down. And the pushrod is adjusted. Also when I bleed the back brakes no matter how long I bleed them, little micro bubbles keep coming out. The front bleeding seemed fine. It's a dual circuit MC and I bled them farthest to closest. But I saw a few posts on the samba saying the front should be bled first cause of the way the springs in the MC work. It's been driving me nuts and I don't know what the problem is. There are no leaks anywhere either and the rear rubber lines are fine too. Please help

[@tommiesmith3369]

NICKEL 100 the first part of the pedal as you push it is when it is functioning the rear drums. The final part of the pedal as you push down rolls into the front part (the disc brakes) . This is why it is called dual circuit as it functions the rear and front separately. You have to adjust the brakes properly in the rear and bleed with out the ebrake engaged. As for the bubbles? It is hard to say from over hear how clean your setup is. But make sure they’re no loose hoses or something allowing air to get in the line . When you bleed don’t loosen the bleeder valve a tremendous amount just enough to allow the fluid to flow out. If you have a helper .. have them pump and hold. Then you release the bleeder valve allowing their foot to go down as far as they can .. pushing the fluid out.. they have to hold while you close up the bleeder valve .. have them pump and hold ,, release , then pedal pushes out fluid, close bleeder valve, and repeat .. Make sure you monitor the reservoir to keep it full of fluid .

[@nickel1008]

@@tommiesmith3369 that's exactly how I've done it and I know there aren't any leaks since I've driven it a bunch already. It's firm enough to drive but still bothers me. 2 years ago a shop bled the brakes and it was perfectly fine. Maybe the MC I got was bad. I'm not sure.

[@tommiesmith3369]

Make sure the rear pads are adjusted properly. a good gauge is the ebrake handle should only need a few clicks to become engaged. If you have to pull it out too far then you may want to adjust the pads some more.

[@nickel1008]

@@tommiesmith3369 yeah they are adjusted to have a slight drag and the e brake handle doesn't go up very far. It stays below the height of the stock seats. It's under 6 or 7 clicks I know for sure. That's why I don't know why it's not bleeding right

[@tommiesmith3369]

Well sounds like you have checked all the boxes .. Sorry I don't have a clear answer.. Thanks for watching and allowing us to put our 2 cents in 😎

[@dubsman21]

Great review !!

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Pablo!

[@LiltruckerDarkspear]

Loving it!!! great vid as always

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks,!

[@Koloherides]

why is there no videos one E brake cables for a bus with disk brakes I cantI find none or how to fix or make one

[@VWLifeVW]

e brakes connect to the rear drums.

[@gustavopadilla9176]

I use clear on my master cylinder to avoid rust color

[@VWLifeVW]

Ah good tip thanks!

[@JWClassicVW]

Very smart move there brother!!

[@gustavopadilla9176]

You can use heat on calipers

[@PacRat69]

Thanks for this video! I'll be doing this conversion when my brakes need to be renewed! I don't see it but have you done a video on shocks, suspension, handling in your spilt buses? I'm looking for recommendations on which shocks to use and any handling tweaks. Original style Boge shocks working, but need to replaced soon.

[@VWLifeVW]

Well Matt just used Monroe shocks from Orilleys if you can source a front sway bar that helps a little too

[@hillbillyvwnut1205]

Great job guys thanks for sharing ✌️✌️✌️have a Merry Christmas

[@VWLifeVW]

Hi hillbilly hey thanks for the kind words! Happy holidays to you sir

[@robertneukirch8901]

Going is good but STOPPING is better!

[@VWLifeVW]

You know it!

[@edwardskamarakas19]

Enjoyed video! What tires are you using?😊

[@VWLifeVW]

General grabber at2 27x8.5r14

[@bondovwvw]

Did the brake kit make the wheels stick out farther?

[@VWLifeVW]

No, no change at all

[@davidknowles5251]

This master cylinder seems like it would be a good replacement for 1966 Type 3 MC since it is a single circuit master cylinder with disc brakes. This dual circuit would be a direct bolt in other than re-routing brake lines.

[@VWLifeVW]

Ah okay cool

[@mannyrosado9887]

Extremely useful!

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks!

[@mannyrosado9887]

@@VWLifeVW Did you complete the rear conversion? I'm trying to put disk in all four, but dont know what's the best (economical) option to cover all four. Any recommendations? Thank you and please keep the VW life alive. Respectfully,Manny Rosado

[@ocavant]

Do they make a kit for a '62?

[@VWLifeVW]

I do not think so.

[@SUBDUB67]

Fantastic installation and clear instructions! I’ve got discs all round, can you get a kit for that for your bus? Cheers Jp

[@VWLifeVW]

I'm sure you can't get disc brakes for the rear but I haven't really done much research into it! Thanks for watching

[@SUBDUB67]

VW Life one of our local Vw engineers sells a kit for the rear but mine is an IRS rear end, not sure if he does swing axle. Anyway, the breaking is phenomenal. Thanks Jon

[@cristianorellana4140]

Helloo!! what kind of brake fluid do you use? DOT3 or DOT4? I'm doing the same upgrade to a 69's early bay. greetings from Chile!!!

[@VWLifeVW]

Hello! Dot3

[@cristianorellana4140]

@@VWLifeVW thank youu!

[@neilsiggson1166]

Pretty cool video! Any idea if you gained or saved weight in this conversion?

[@VWLifeVW]

Probably about the same. Maybe a little lighter. We should have weighed it!

[@linusa2996]

Stopping distance at 60-65?

[@VWLifeVW]

We are guessing that since at 30 miles an hour the stopping distance was 30 ft so it's probably going to be 60 feet or less. We don't really want to slam on the brakes at 60 miles an hour in an old bus so it's just an estimate. It's probably a good 10 or 15 feet better than stock brakes though

[@gusalit8871]

I like this project 😍

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Gus we appreciate that!

[@gusalit8871]

@@VWLifeVW and I'm waiting for the next project

[@kellykonoske91]

Nooooo Matt Jackson. That cyber truck is one fugly S O B !!

[@VWLifeVW]

He I think it's a good design! Lol

[@v.martins3392]

🖒 like , i am brasilian and in love with vw air cooled, congratulation channel tooooop 👏👏👏👏👏

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks!

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

As having cars with both disk brakes & drum brakes, disk brakes are better, than drum brakes, once the drum brakes got wet you did not have stopping power, with discs you can notice a difference.

[@VWLifeVW]

thanks for sharing!

[@luischavez5572]

Will do !!!!

[@mpolster5729]

Jake always seems to show up for lunch!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yep

[@ivorwm2291]

Hot Snot!! Disc brakes! Get outta town! Science wins again! I see Nurse Ratchet has on the gloves!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yeah baby that's right! Bend over

[@gottasplit5707]

Great video guys!!! looks so good! How is your pedal feel with the new master cylinder? My pedal seems to feel a little stiff, but I did re use my master cylinder since mine was already a dual. You should also loo into getting some hex key spindle nuts. They were so much easier to deal with than the double nut and washer.

[@VWLifeVW]

Actually the pedal seems a little bit softer than with the stock brakes. I think that's because it engages rear first and then the front but I think I still need to adjust my rears a little more and they haven't really seated in yet

[@Mike-cv7hv]

Y'all gotta upgrade to a bay window spindle nut on your late splits.

[@VWLifeVW]

yeah but then you have to carry an allen wrench! :)

[@moonsun4442]

great !! cool vw's is safety first. 👍

[@VWLifeVW]

That's right! Thanks

[@terryfleming7084]

😂😂😂”I’m a scientist!”😂😂😂 I believe you, but the way you said that!😂😂

[@VWLifeVW]

Lol

[@mf9309]

And, self cleaning, no brake fade, and easier to change out.😉

[@VWLifeVW]

yes sir thanks!

[@johnflynn9463]

View #4,734 at 1:35 PM on 2/17/20 - NJ....Next up

[@russellmancillas4464]

need to add disc brakes to my KG

[@VWLifeVW]

Do it!

[@christianwernher9559]

Having more stopping-power is allways a good idea.

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes sir that's right!

[@mikerosetta9140]

would love to do that to my 69 westy 5 feet at 30 is probably somebodys rear bumper at 50

[@VWLifeVW]

it's worth it, check them out!

[@v.martins3392]

Have a 1969 green leaf beatle , my Darling rsrsrs

[@VWLifeVW]

Ah okay cool!

[@luckyluke33]

5 feet really thats it ?

[@VWLifeVW]

At 30 miles an hour that's a good increase. The rate is exponential so at 60 it's more likely to be 15 feet or maybe 20

[@dubstorationuk6229]

Love ya channel ( backstreetkustoms )

[@VWLifeVW]

thanks!

[@Vwrescue]

Maybe i should have gone with disc brakes... Probably not gonna be the safest first vehicle but i don't care

[@VWLifeVW]

Hey no biggie! I can always be something you work towards in the future. For me it was three years in the making so hey it is what it is

[@silviadossantos1042]

Prefer drum brakes

[@totodile493]

Jesus is Lord. ✝️