On 27 Jul 2003 09:38:25 -0700, snipped-for-privacy@austin.rr.com (wsurfn) scribbled this interesting note:
I rcently bought a newly restored 54 oval that had 356B brakes on all
>4 weeks ago. I bought it unseen off the samba classifieds. When I got
>it, I noticed it required a lot of foot pressure to activate the
>brakes.
>
>Well, 2 weeks ago I got my hands dirty and took off the drums. The
>right rear drum was full of axle grease and and aluminium shavings.
>The 356B drum has a built-in oil slinger and it was rubbing up
>against the bearing cover bolts. There is no rub on the backing
>plate. The left was ok, but the wheel cylinder was leaking brake
>fluid. The previous owner acted dumbfounded, and has not been
>helpful. There have been few miles put on the car since its
>restoration.
>
>I need to solve this spacing issue, so I do not repeat history.
>Porsche parts are 2-4X as expensive. The rear pads were $80, the
>wheel cylinder $100.
>
>So far, I have made sure the bearing cover and bolts are correct. I
>have replaced the grease seal, o-rings, and bearing shim and spacer. I >think
>the axle nut travels close to the final threads on the axle, which
>is also why I think there is some spacing problem.
>
>I am stuck and frustrated. If anybody out there can help, e-mail me
>directly. I can provide you with detailed photos.
>
>Thanks!
>
>Mark
Mark,
Firstly, if the car has incorrect brakes on it then it is not restored.
Secondly, even my 1959 Beetle has that same variety of oil slinger and there is no spacing issue. I might suspect that something is assembled incorrectly if there is no problem on the other side.
Thirdly, if the 356B parts are so much more expensive, why not sell the 356B setup to some Porsche nut and use the proceeds to install the correct brake system on the car???
-- John Willis