Type 3 Rear Brake Drum, 5 On 205mm, 64-67

Precision-Engineered Type 3 Rear Brake Drums for Maximum Stopping Power

When it comes to the safety and performance of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, the braking system is the one area where you can never afford to compromise. This EMPI Type 3 Rear Brake Drum is a premium-grade, one-piece solid casting designed specifically for the 1964 through 1967 Type 3 models, including the Notchback, Squareback, and Fastback. Unlike inferior multi-piece alternatives that can suffer from structural fatigue under extreme heat, this drum is engineered to provide a consistent, reliable friction surface. The Wide 5 (5 on 205mm) bolt pattern is a hallmark of early VW engineering, and this drum maintains that vintage aesthetic while utilizing modern metallurgy to ensure superior heat dissipation. Whether you are restoring a showroom-quality Variant or building a high-performance street machine, these drums offer the structural integrity required to handle modern traffic conditions and increased engine outputs.

Beyond standard restorations, these Type 3 rear drums are a legendary "secret weapon" in the off-road, dune buggy, and sand rail communities. Because the Type 3 rear brakes utilize a wider shoe surface compared to the standard Beetle, upgrading to a Type 3 rear brake setup is a common modification for those seeking significantly improved stopping power without converting to expensive disc brakes. This drum is manufactured by EMPI, a name synonymous with VW performance for decades, ensuring that the machining tolerances for the bearing races and the internal braking surface are held to exacting standards. By choosing this 311-501-615E part number, you are investing in a component that eliminates "brake fade" and provides the firm, responsive pedal feel that every air-cooled enthusiast craves. Don''t settle for warped or thin drums that have been turned too many times; refresh your rear end with the heavy-duty reliability of a brand-new Type 3 casting.

Comprehensive Fitment Guide

This rear brake drum is designed for the following Volkswagen Type 3 applications and custom configurations:

• Volkswagen Type 3 Notchback: 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback (Variant): 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• Volkswagen Type 3 Fastback: 1966, 1967
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Baja Bugs utilizing Type 3 rear brake assemblies for increased surface area.
• Interchange Part Number: 311-501-615E

Technical Specifications and Dimensions

Every EMPI brake drum is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment standards to ensure a perfect fit every time.

• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide 5)
• Material: High-density grey cast iron for optimal thermal conductivity.
• Construction: Solid one-piece design for maximum rigidity and safety.
• Brake Shoe Compatibility: Designed for 45mm wide rear brake shoes.
• Weight: Approximately 14.45 lbs (Heavy-duty casting).
• Finish: Natural machined friction surface with a rust-inhibitive shipping coating.
• Lug Bolt Thread: Standard VW M12x1.5.
• Placement: Rear Axle (Left or Right side).

Specialist Pro Tips for Installation

Pro Tip 1: Thoroughly De-Grease Before Installation. Brand new brake drums are shipped with a thin layer of cosmoline or shipping oil to prevent rust while sitting in the warehouse. Before you slide these onto your shoes, you MUST use a high-quality brake cleaner to strip every trace of this oil from the internal friction surface. If you fail to do this, the oil will contaminate your new brake shoes, causing them to glaze over and significantly reducing your stopping power. Spray the drum until the cleaner runs clear and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth.

Pro Tip 2: The Importance of Axle Nut Torque. One of the most common mistakes in VW rear brake service is under-torqueing the large 36mm rear axle nut. For a Type 3, this nut requires a massive amount of torquetypically 217 ft-lbs or more depending on your specific year''s shop manual. If this nut is not tight enough, the drum will "chatter" on the splines, eventually stripping both the drum and the axle. Always use a heavy-duty torque multiplier or a long cheater bar, and never forget to install a new cotter pin to lock the nut in place.

Pro Tip 3: Check Your Wheel Cylinders and Hardware. Since you have the drums off, it is the perfect time to inspect your wheel cylinders for leaks and your return springs for tension. Type 3 brakes are larger and more powerful than Beetle brakes, meaning they generate more heat. Old, heat-cycled springs can lose their "snap," leading to dragging brakes. We always recommend installing a fresh hardware kit and 45mm shoes alongside these new drums to ensure the entire system wears evenly and provides the best possible performance for thousands of miles to come.