Updated: 11-Jul-2023
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:
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 diagramBrake 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. 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.
Hard 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.
Tire Pressure
Tire Size (original factory size)
Tire Brands (original equipment)
Tire & Wheel Size Conversion Calculators
Factory-installed Wheels
Quick glance:
Factory-installed wheel sizes:
All stock Cabriolet wheels have a bolt pattern of 4x100 and center bore of 57.1mm.
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.
Lost 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.
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:
|