VW T3 / T25 / Vanagon - Front Brakes and Wheel Bearings

[@mikebeazley5415]

You say you're not a professional mechanic but you've done a pretty good job making this video. I have a T25 that I've had from new, in five months it will be 40, over the years I've done most jobs myself including the subject of this video, nowadays I'm afraid the garage has the pleasure, but your video has awakened the desire to get my hands dirty again. Thanks for that ,great stuff!!!

[@Italjohn]

Very good video, and thanks for mention me at the end of the clip as well 👍😀 It's always nice to hear other people saying nice things about your self 😀 51:51

[@JamesAkers]

Love your videos and your van Jonny! Keep them coming. 😀

[@sloedub]

Thanks! I followed your instructions and now have new rotors, bearings and brakes installed. Good stuff!

[@colinmcgovern1300]

The best, most thorough video on this I’ve seen- thanks for making it!!

[@myggjager8331]

James, I really had to say after watching the video, that your doing an impressive job and I'm not only talking about the van repair, but the quality of your video! All the best sincerely, From France

[@JamesAkers]

Thank you, it means a lot. :)

[@Nojgrossnickler]

Echoing those comments below. I share a gratitude to you from across the great seas for the love and respect you share for these great machines we call “Vanagon”. You have helped me in my attempts to keep these beauties functioning at their best! Cheers from the state of Oregon US

[@louiesilver5735]

Thanks for the brilliant footage. Your carb videos inspired me to have a go at cleaning mine out and have resolved a number of issues. My discs are in dire need of replacement and I have been unsure about tackling such a risky job. Even with all of the in-depth information you read online and in manuals it doesn't compare to see it being put into action on a video. You have also done a wonderful service of compiling the research and condensing it to your opinion of the best tips and tricks. It's a great supplementary resource, thank you!

[@JamesAkers]

Thanks Louie, that's so great to hear. The more knowledge we can share, the more of these amazing vans can stay on the road!

[@bryantmilan6443]

Instablaster

[@WTC_2U]

James - I second the glowing comments below. Highly informative, beautifully taped and edited. I just purchased an '87 Vanagon Camper. It's in great shape for the most part, but I know enough to know there will be projects such this ahead, guaranteed. Great to know we have this kind of resource. Thank you.

[@chriskrzych3140]

Ive just did both of my T25 front discs after watching your video, I wouldn't make it without it ! All tho mine calipers are Gerling type your tutorial worked 110% Thanks buddy ! Had to use blow torch to unscrew 22mm bolts atthe back and splash plate pozy screwa ( tip for other folks here , be aware of rubber sleaves ect )

[@rolandberard8958]

Wonderful video - clear lighting, slow moving and very complete Thank you for your contribution. I'll get rebuilt callipers so I don't have to do the rebuild myself.

[@joehendershott7255]

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to do this. You say you are not a professional but this was way better than some of the videos done by "pros." Cheers mate.

[@XCTERRA]

I just did my brakes. Thanks to your video i was able to do the work myself. I do not have the fancy special tools but managed anyway. Next will be the rear trailing arms and bushings. Thank you again. Cheers!

[@PurpleProAudio]

Thank you for this video. Really detailed and thorough explanations and good video-making all around. Very grateful, I just did mine too and this was massively helpful .

[@mohenniges2652]

Hey James, I just found your channel and videos some days ago and they are really helpful! Thanks a lot for sharing, I`ll start the restauration of my 89èr syncro next week and the brake is one of the first things I have to refresh ;) hope to see more of you and your bus in future!

[@JamesAkers]

Thanks Mo! Hope it all goes well. Very jealous that you have a Syncro.

[@heart4Pahoa]

Stellar video. Insightful and entertaining. Brought back memories of doing my 83 Camper Vanagon rotors and bearings. Great job!

[@c1tlr340]

That was a great video. This is my next job having just done fuel lines, injectors and replacing alternator wiring loom. I have an 86 with same brakes as yours.

[@aaronlong3292]

Legend thanks! Great series, really helpful.

[@Darkpeter7]

Hi, could you make a video to change the rear brakes. Thank you

[@vanstechcorral]

Ya, thanks for the excellent Vanagon vids!

[@timread6833]

Thanks James for your very clear and helpful videos, great!

[@bobaloo2012]

Fantastic video. Thanks for all the info, getting ready to do mine and this really helped.

[@rovertasmania7033]

Little trick with the used bearing race to seat the new one into the hub, cut the old race so that when you drive it home completely it wont get stuck in there as you can use a set of clamps to compress the race (should be a 1mm cut at least)

[@chronicsys]

genius! tnx

[@4RingsRetro]

What a treat! Thanks for the video dump this past week!

[@JamesAkers]

No problem. Going for a lie down now 🤣

[@marksellwood5088]

Much appreciated the helpful vidoe James!! 🙂

[@turethevikingking3284]

Thank you for your knowledge and helping out! I appreciate it a lot!

[@tttboyy]

Excellent explanation and demonstration. Thank you.

[@stepeat2991]

Just a tip if you put a relief cut in the old races you can tap the new race all the way home and the old one won’t get stuck 😊

[@JamesMeparishvili]

I am getting addicted to your videos James : )))) nice video as always !

[@JamesAkers]

Thanks James. You'll have to go cold turkey for a while now haha

[@JamesMeparishvili]

Ahaha 🤘are you recording with go pro? I want to start soon renovating my t3 also.

[@JamesAkers]

@@JamesMeparishvili I shoot everything on a Samsung S8 phone with a bendable arm thing. It's been dropped quite a few times now haha

[@alexnerzhaveikin9523]

Great video service! Thanks for the good quality video! success in the future!))

[@chronicsys]

Excellent video my fellow T3'er. Super helpful. Your camera work's great too. Thank you indeed \o/

[@JamesAkers]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@ukbeeps]

Thanks for sharing info, help keep the old buses alive. Can you tell me which manual you're using please.

[@JamesAkers]

It's the Bentley Publishing Vanagon Workshop Manual, it's brilliant. I recommend getting a hard copy if you can, but check out the PDF section on my website: vwt25.blog/files/

[@ukbeeps]

@@JamesAkers awsome thanks man, I've just checked out you're blog there's some really helpful info and links. 👍

[@SCD-jy2xs]

Would a 10 mm brass nut fit the bill to plug the brake line?

[@rhysjones7617]

Really interested what size the copper bolt to plug the hydraulic pipe- someone was asking if it 10mm head m10? And therefore 6mm thread?

[@jaypenn8776]

Hey James, great video and thank you. I was wondering where I can find the Mercedes axle nut to replace the peening nut? Is there a part number? I am in Canada. Thanks again!!

[@macvanbus142]

Super video, Very clear instruction nice organised parts, can you put link for stainless steel screws for splash plate.

[@JamesAkers]

M6 x 12mm screws: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252479271066 M6 spring washers: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M6-STAINLESS-STEEL-A2-FORM-B-SPRING-LOCK-WASHERS-SQUARE-ENDS/252521234973

[@buddystraight5842]

Wow !! Finally great vids for T3 folks....and easily translated from British English to American English..lol.😲🥴🤪😂

[@JamesAkers]

Haha, thank you!

[@alexnerzhaveikin9523]

Отличный видео сервис ! Спасибо !)))

[@mikaelguillois7982]

Hi , thanks a lot for this video , it will help me , i have a question , where did you find a ring and piston for to repair your galipers , thanks

[@macvanbus142]

for the metal sealing ring you have cut on the knuckle can you put a link. Thanks again for the good stuff.

[@JamesAkers]

Part numbers and links are on the blog here: vwt25.blog/2021/02/18/front-brakes-and-wheel-bearings/

[@АндрейГ-ъ1л]

Hello. Please tell me if there is such a problem. I have calipers old model (two-piston), they squeak very loudly. After rebuilding the calipers and replacing different pads, the squeak did not go away. I looked at what they should be anti-squeak plates (I don’t have them). Is it possible to make them yourself and what kind? shape should they be? There is also a question about the piston, there are cuts on it, in Which side should the cuts face and does this affect the creaking?

[@EI6ISB]

Thank you for doing this video James, because of you I was confidently able to change the discs, bearings and pads on the front of my t3 today. :) did you ever try tackling the rear drum brakes?

[@leehomeless336]

James, Please tell me number bearing front and rear wheels T3. Thank you so much.❤❤

[@jameshamilton5703]

This is brilliant - thanks James. How long did it take you? And did I miss the bit where you solved that lack of thread in the calliper?

[@JamesAkers]

Thanks! I think it would have been over a weekend if I didn't find those other issues. For the caliper holder, I got hold of a second hand replacement and swapped it out.

[@jameshamilton5703]

@@JamesAkers Thanks James. God knows what I'll find ... my van's 41 years old now! I'm going to attempt the anti-roll bar bushes though. That looked a little easier

[@BearWolfMountain]

Hi James, where did you buy the part a1163340372? Also is the a left and a right side one or does the thread go the same way? I take it they held up fine, and did you have to do some fine adjustment after a few hundred miles? Sorry for all the questions. :)

[@toadranger]

James- you are an incredible teacher and communicator! What year is your van? I have an 88 DOKA and 88 Weekender and now I feel I could accomplish the job. Where might I find the Mercedes bit? And the SS parts? Good job- dw

[@larafreeman1111]

How did the ride feel after you replaced the bearings?

[@elmiraramadanovic3682]

Hey mate is that black silicon only for cars or for normal use?

[@JamesAkers]

It's just normal silicone to keep the water out.

[@byfunkyoid2917]

What manual are you using?

[@JamesAkers]

It's the Bentley Official Factory Repair Manual, it's great. Check out my website where you can find PDF workshop manuals: vwt25.blog/files/

[@dre4011]

👍👍👍 Just did the same on my '87 GL on Saturday...(#000554 for '87)

[@ThatBaldwinLife]

Man those are some rusty parts under there! Makes me glad to live where we do in the winters. Nice job in cleaning up the brakes. Have you thought about upgrading to a bigger brake kit? nate

[@НаціоналістУкраїни-е2ш]

доброго дня друже , скажи будь ласка де ти придбав ступичну гайку і який в неї каталожний номер , буду вдячний за відповідь .

[@JamesAkers]

Part number: A1163340372 I got a pair from eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-W116-450SE-450SEL-280S-230-240D-280E-SLK300-E350-Wheel-Hub-Nut-Genuine/263936946152

[@НаціоналістУкраїни-е2ш]

@@JamesAkers Дякую ! класний канал я твій підписник . хотів з тобою поділитись , як переробити задню ступицю під підшипник VKBA3414 SKF , бо рідні не ходять зовсім , але чомусь посилання не проходять..

[@phildoyle6687]

@@JamesAkers loving your videos and finding them very honest and helpful. In the process of restoring my T25 and having problems with the threads on my stub axles so the clamp nuts look like a better option than the peen nuts. Found this one on ebay part no. A0009904360 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Mercedes-Benz-W211-E-Class-CLS-Front-Hub-Locking-Nut-A0009904360-NEW-/132359801703 Do you think this is the same part and will fit a t25?

[@JamesAkers]

Thanks Phil. That one looks slightly fatter so probably different. Go with the one I've link to above or search using that part number.