Rear Brake Drum Kit for 68-79 IRS suspension

Restore Your Stopping Power with the Ultimate Rear Brake Drum Kit

When it is time to overhaul the rear end of your classic air-cooled machine, settling for subpar components is never an option. This comprehensive Rear Brake Drum Kit is specifically engineered for 1968 through 1979 Volkswagen Type 1 models equipped with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Over decades of service, factory drums often become "out of round," heat-checked, or dangerously thin from repeated resurfacing. This kit eliminates the guesswork by providing a complete, matched solution that restores the original pedal feel and stopping confidence your Beetle or Karmann Ghia had when it first rolled off the assembly line. Whether you are daily driving a Super Beetle or building a weekend cruiser, having a fresh set of drums and shoes ensures that your vehicle handles modern traffic safely and predictably.

The beauty of this kit lies in its "all-in-one" approach to brake maintenance. Instead of hunting down individual springs, clips, and cylinders from various sources, we have bundled everything you need to perform a professional-grade refresh on both rear wheels. The 4x130mm lug pattern is a perfect match for late-model factory wheels and most aftermarket rollers, ensuring a hub-centric fit that minimizes vibration. By replacing the wheel cylinders and hardware along with the drums and shoes, you prevent the most common causes of brake failure, such as leaking seals or snapped return springs. This is the definitive upgrade for any enthusiast looking to maintain the integrity of their VW''s braking system while benefiting from modern manufacturing tolerances and high-quality friction materials.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This kit is designed specifically for Volkswagen models with the 4 on 130mm bolt pattern and IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) trailing arms. Please verify your suspension type before ordering, as some 1968 models may still utilize swing axle configurations in certain regions.

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Kit Cars utilizing 1968-later VW Type 1 IRS rear torsion housings and trailing arms.

Technical Specifications

Every component in this kit is selected to meet or exceed original equipment standards for durability and fitment.

• Drum Pattern: 4x130mm Lug Bolt Pattern.
• Drum Material: High-grade heavy-duty cast iron for superior heat dissipation.
• Brake Shoe Type: Set of 4 premium semi-metallic bonded shoes (covers both rear wheels).
• Wheel Cylinder Size: Standard rear bore diameter for correct hydraulic bias.
• Hardware Included: Full spring kit including return springs, hold-down pins, and clips.
• Lug Thread: Designed for standard 14mm VW lug bolts.
• Inner Diameter: 230mm standard drum braking surface.
• Total Kit Weight: Approximately 33 lbs.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Shop

Always Degrease New Drums Before Installation

New brake drums are shipped with a thin coating of cosmoline or light machine oil to prevent rust while they sit in the warehouse. If you install the shoes directly against this oily surface, you will contaminate the friction material immediately, leading to "glazing" and poor stopping performance. Before you slide the drum onto the spindle, use a high-quality aerosol brake cleaner and a clean rag to scrub the inner braking surface until it is bone dry. Doing this ensures the shoes can "bite" into the metal properly from the very first stop.

The Secret to Perfect Star Adjuster Orientation

One of the most common mistakes during a rear brake overhaul is installing the star adjusters backward or upside down. When you are assembling the shoes onto the backing plate, ensure the "teeth" of the star adjuster are accessible through the adjustment holes in the backing plate (usually covered by a rubber plug). Additionally, always apply a tiny dab of high-temperature anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the adjusters. This prevents them from seizing up over time due to brake dust and moisture, making your future maintenance adjustments much easier and preventing the need to pull the drum just to free up a stuck adjuster.

Mastering the "Bedding-In" Process

Don''t just slam on the brakes the second you get the car back on the road. New shoes and drums need to be "mated" to one another through a thermal process called bedding. For the first 50 to 100 miles, avoid panic stops or aggressive braking. Perform several controlled stops from 30 MPH down to 5 MPH without coming to a complete dead stop, allowing the brakes to cool for a minute between cycles. This transfers a thin layer of friction material from the shoes to the drum surface, which significantly increases the longevity of the parts and prevents the "brake fade" often experienced with improperly broken-in components.