356B Brakes

[RIP356]

Hi
Just a quick question, does anyone know what bearings to use to fit 356 drums to a link pin front end?
I think the Porsche  bearings are too large for the Vw spindle, will the VW ones fit the drums?
Thanks

[speedwell]

don't know for the B models , but on my A models i used the VW bearings and it works

[RIP356]

Another question!
Can I use vw seals or the Porsche?
Thanks

[speedwell]

the one who goes behind the bearings on the drums



those one for the rear


i used the one from my vw drums with no problems

if i remember there's nothing special to put a porsche brake drum on a vw , you have just to put them in place as the VW one

[marc1951]

VW bearings work.....356A or 356B. The only difference between the 2 are the cooling fins cast into the B drums.

[guillaume]

I am using the original VW bearings for front and rear and they work just fine.

[RIP356]

Thanks for the help

[guillaume]

I have a question too
Are the e-brake cables the same if you use 356 brakes on a bug ?

I have a 1961 bug and it seems the original cables are a bit short. Maybe I made a wrong adjustment.
Any help appreciated

[danny gabbard]

Ya, My cable's are just a bit short use'n B drum's. They work, but about 3/8 of a inch short on e-brake handle .I have B drums on all four corners. And used stock front bearings .

[speedwell]

I have a question too
Are the e-brake cables the same if you use 356 brakes on a bug ?

I have a 1961 bug and it seems the original cables are a bit short. Maybe I made a wrong adjustment.
Any help appreciated

G i had A models on my 61 too , and i used the E brake cable who were on the floorpan and those were VW and no problems with them

[Donny B.]

On my '66 I used stock E-brake cables with B drums.

[guillaume]

Thank you guys I will have to remove the rear wheels and check the adjustments. Thanks again for your comments.

[hotrodsurplus]

You also need the rear seal retainers that correspond to the backing plates or modify Beetle ones.

The 356 seal retainers are functionally the same as the Beetle retainers but they're machined thinner because the 356 backing plate is thicker where it mounts to the axle. I believe that the Beetle seal retainers to 1957 are the same as 356 and I've heard that bus retainers to '67 will work too. Verify that before buying anything though.

You can also modify your stock bearing retainers easily. The 'correct' way would be to take them to a machinist and have the mounting edge trimmed to the correct height. But if you're good with a belt sander you can machine them yourself. They're not a critical fit. 

[RIP356]

Thanks for all the info.
I do have the 356 rear retainers so I will use them.
I just have to get a couple of rear slave cylinders and will bolt them on.
Dave