Updated: 11-Jul-2023


Braking System

Stock, Factory Braking System

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

The 1979-1993 Cabriolets do not have ABS brakes!


Replacing Rear Drum Brakes

Anytime you do work to the rear brakes, do only one side at a time! This allows you to use the other side as a reference to ensure that everything is put back together properly. In case you removed both sides, here are reference images:

  • Actual Drum Brake
  • Exploded Diagram of Drum Brake

  • Swapping Rear Drum Brakes to Discs

    A popular brake upgrade is replacing the rear drum brakes with discs. Tap here for a how-to.


    Front Disc Brakes

    Front disc component diagram

    Anti-rattle clips:

    Brake Booster

    A replacement check valve for the brake booster line has been found: AC Delco/GM part #90304535. Tap here for further details. No longer available. update Look for an ATE 34331151532 check valve instead. Note: These aftermarket replacements do not have accessory vacuum ports.

    The factory version is still available via various retailers. Tap here for factory part numbers.


    Help Icons No AttributionHard Brake Pedal

    If the brake pedal is extremely hard to push and the engine idles fast (or, dies at a stop), this is indicative of a leaking/broken brake booster vacuum hose.

    Tires

    Tire Pressure

    Tire Size (original factory size)

    Tire Brands (original equipment)

    Tire & Wheel Size Conversion Calculators

    Wheels

    Factory-installed Wheels

    Complete, detailed factory wheel guide: Wheel Guide Download

    Quick glance:

    Avus
    Type: Alloy
    Name: Avus
    BBS RA
    Type: Alloy
    Name: BBS RA
    Estoril
    Type: Alloy
    Name: Estoril
    Le Castellet
    Type: Alloy
    Name: Le Castellet
    Silverstone
    Type: Alloy
    Name: Silverstone
    Tarantula
    Type: Alloy
    Nickname: Tarantula
    Wolfsburg
    Type: Alloy
    Name: Wolfsburg
    Zandvoort
    Type: Alloy
    Name: Zandvoort
    Steel
    Type: Steel
    Name: 8-spoke
    Steel
    Type: Steel
    Name: 6-spoke
    Steel
    Type: Steel
    Name: n/a
    Steel
    Type: Steel
    Name: 8-spoke
    Steel
    Type: Steel
    Name: 12-hole
    Steel
    Type: Steel
    Name: 17-hole

    Factory-installed wheel sizes:


    Best Wheel Size

    The general consensus is that wheels 15" and smaller are best for these cars. Tap here for The Highway Collective's take on what sizes look good on any A1 chassis Volkswagen, including the Cabriolets... while being rather amusing, it does speak the truth. Refer to the next section for additional wheel/tire/offset information.


    Help Icons No AttributionLost Silverstone ("teardrop") Center Cap Key

    If your original key has been lost, head to your local auto parts store and buy an 8mm triple-square bit.


    Wheel Names

    Most folks are unaware that many Volkswagen alloy wheel names derive from the car racing world, including those used on Cabriolets.

    Wheel/Tire/Offset Sizes That Will Work

    13" Wheels Offset Tire Size Notes
    5J x 13 45 175/70/13
    5½J x 13 38 175/70/13
    175/80/13
    6J x 13 35, 38 185/60/13
    205/60/13
    6½J x 13 0 195/60/13
    14" Wheels Offset Tire Size Notes
    6J x 14 35, 38 175/65/14
    185/60/14
    195/45/14
    195/55/14
    195/60/14
    6½J x 14 30 185/50/14
    185/60/14
    195/45/14
    7J x 14 25 185/55/14
    185/60/14
    195/45/14
    195/55/14
    195/60/14
    225/40/14
    15" Wheels Offset Tire Size Notes
    6J x 15 38 165/45/15
    185/55/15
    195/50/15
    6½J x 15 33 205/50/15
    7J x 15 15**, 20, 24, 25, 28*, 35* 165/45/15
    195/45/15
    195/50/15
    205/50/15
    * Spacers may be required for the rears; grinding down the calipers and/or fender rolling may also be required for the fronts.
    ** Without any modifications, wheels/tires may sit beyond the fender flares (aka "poke").
    16" Wheels Offset Tire Size Notes
    7J x 16 20**, 35*, 40* 185/50/16
    195/40/16
    205/40/16
    205/45/16
    * Spacers may be required for the rears; grinding down the calipers and/or fender rolling may also be required for the fronts.
    ** Without any modifications, wheels/tires may sit beyond the fender flares (aka "poke").
    7½J x 16 35* * Spacers may be required for the rears; grinding down the calipers and/or fender rolling may also be required for the fronts.
    17" & 18" Wheels Offset Tire Size Notes
    Not recommended. May cause rubbing, especially with lowered suspension; ride quality will be reduced. May require fender rolling and/or spacers in order to fit, especially if lowering the suspension; depending on offset, may also result in poke.
    Fitment Notes
    Lowering the suspension plays a role in what wheel & tire sizes you choose. Keep the aspect ratio close to stock to minimize rubbing. Examples:
    • 16" wheels + 205 tires + lowering 1.25" = rubbing.
    • 16" wheels + 195 tires + lowering 1.25" = no rubbing.
    As you increase the wheel size from stock, decrease the tire sidewall size to maintain the original diameter:
    • 6J x14: 185/60/14
    • 6J x 15: 195/50/15
    • 6J x 16: 195/40/16