924Board.org

[nrwheele]

I'm having some difficulty in sourcing brake hardware for my '81 Base 924 w/ 4 lug wheels (and I believe all original brake parts). I just feel like something like brake hardware shouldn't be this troublesome!

I went on various sites that claimed to sell the hardware for the right model year, etc., but when I received the parts, they are clearly too big and, in the case of the pins, entirely different in design:

Springs


Pins


The springs in this case are definitely larger, and the new pin is quite different than the old - the lack of tapering at the end also prevents them from fitting as they should.

Is this brake hardware just NLA? Is there some other Porsche/VW part equivalent that would work for me instead? I can probably continue to use the pin, but the spring is broken and should definitely be replaced.

I'm quite frustrated at this point, so if anyone could provide some guidance/part numbers/etc., it would be greatly appreciated!
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1981 Porsche 924 N/A, Black - "Brunhilda"

[Beartooth]

I bet you got a hardware kit for the all-disk, five-lug setup. I just looked on Pelican parts, and the pins and springs look just like that on the kit they sell. Unfortunately, it's easy to end up with the wrong brake parts: some places don't spell it out, and their system may not even know the difference.

I don't see a kit for the four-lug, solid disk setup, and it may be hard to find that. I think that caliper was also used on a few Audis in the 70s, but that's the only other car I've heard of having it, so it's likely hardware kits stopped being made decades ago. I just re-used the pins and springs when I went through my calipers - fortunately, they were ok.

I suspect the individual pieces aren't that unique, but you'd have to do a lot of digging to match them by dimensions (assuming you could find the appropriate catalog to dig through). I assume you've dug through the euro parts houses (FCP, Pelican, etc.); you could also try calling the likes of EBS racing or Einmalig or the host of other Porsche specialists (although some of them don't have anything for 924s). I did some quick searching out of curiosity, and there's nothing between RockAuto, Pelican, EBS, or Rosepassion. Next option would be to buy used caliper(s) for the pieces. The other thing that comes to mind is you could try poking around your local parts stores; you never know. Unfortunately, the answer to your question seems to be "no," but you should be able to find what you need if you keep scrounging.
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1980 931 diamond in the rough

[Karlio]

No longer available. We had 40 sets remanufactured over here in UK and few years ago but they have all gone now. Keep on searching, they are an ATE part.

[nrwheele]

I appreciate the input everyone! I have to admit, it is a bit discouraging that something like this is so difficult to source new, especially when they are still making the 5 lug hardware (no love for older 924s I guess lol)

I guess outside of hoping for a new run of these parts, I'll have to keep my eye out for compatible pieces/NOS. I might try checking in with some more niche Porsche specialists (never heard of Einmalig before, but their site seemed promising for this set of parts, so we'll see).

If I find a compatible part #, I'll make sure to toss it in the post somewhere so others don't have the same headache!
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1981 Porsche 924 N/A, Black - "Brunhilda"

[Raize]

Annoying how this stuff goes NLA, you'd think as wear parts there would always be a demand...

How long are the pins? What's the diameter?
How long and wide is the spring?

Something from another car might suit.

[Beartooth]

Like Raize said, there might be pins and springs from other applications that would work. One to look into is mid-70s Audis. Like I mentioned earlier, they used a similar caliper (and I think the same in a couple applications). I hadn't mentioned it earlier because I didn't think you'd find anything there either, but I do see some kits on RockAuto that at least look similar. I'm hesitant to recommend it because it doesn't look like they use the same brake pad, but the brake pad dimensions are similar, and they look like the same type of pin and spring. That might be worth pursuing with a local parts store - explain the situation and see if they have a problem ordering a kit in to see if you can match it up. There's a pretty good chance they'll let you take a look and they'll just keep it if it won't work.

Einmalig is a good source for Porsche parts - they seem to have or be able to get stuff no one else can. I've ordered from them, but I do have to mention that if you're in a hurry, you might want to try other options first. They take a while to ship stuff, and there's not much communication. I received most of an order - I was missing a few pieces - and they didn't show up until a week or two later with nothing to indicate they were shipped separately. Anyway, they do show a kit with pins and a spring as available for $38.50 (better be gold plated!); I assume you'd need two, and it'd probably be a good idea to call to confirm stock. I'd probably try the Audi kit from a parts store first, but you might just have to bite the bullet if Einmalig has it, unless you find some spare calipers to take from for cheap.
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1980 931 diamond in the rough

[nrwheele]

Hello again everyone! I just wanted to provide a brief update in my search so far:

I took the measurements from my existing pin and spring, and measured them as follows:

Pin
- 85mm length
- 6mm diameter

Spring
- 75.5mm height
- 54mm width

I did some research into Einmalig, and to be quite honest, I've very hesitant to do business with them - too many of their reviews cite shady business practices for my liking, so I think I'll hold off on them unless it's a last resort

One post on AutoAtlanta did peak my interest - while the part is NLA, there was mention of simply re-riveting the spring, which would actually work quite nicely - the spring itself seems to be in good shape still, just in two pieces lol

Another post I saw (I believe it was on Rennlist), suggested that the hardware from the 1978-1980 Audi 5000 might be a compatible set. I'm still trying to hunt down the specifications on some aftermarket sets (RockAuto sells a Dynamic Friction set that looks pretty close at first glance)

[/img]

Even if only the springs fit, it's still roughly $11 to replace both front calipers, so definitely worth the risk! I'll keep researching, but will likely see if these parts are a good fit (and if so, order several additional sets for when these are NLA )

If anyone has any additional findings to aid in my quest, I'd love to hear it!
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1981 Porsche 924 N/A, Black - "Brunhilda"

[Goldwolf]

I ran into the same problem a couple years ago. Decided to change the calipers to the 91 Passat calipers. Bolt right up, easy to change pads etc... and cheap.

https://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=46080&highlight=passat+calipers
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1981 Weissach Edition #179

[Cedric]

[Beartooth]

That is accurate, Cedric. I've dug around for caliper candidates, and the Passat is a 54mm piston. Stock four-lug is 48mm. So it would definitely affect the brake balance. I'm not sure if there's another option for a bigger rear wheel cylinder to balance that out or if matters enough for a typical street driver. The wheel cylinders are 19mm, so maybe if you could find a bigger VW wheel cylinder, that would address that. It's good to know the option is there though. I'm still toying with the idea of a rear four-lug disk conversion, and I've found a couple rear caliper candidates that would match well with a 54mm piston on the front caliper. Unfortunately, my 931 is at a standstill; house projects getting in the way, plus I'm still working on arranging, wiring, and insulating the new shop...
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1980 931 diamond in the rough

[Raize]

I think the rear drums do so little that it doesn't matter if you have 48 or 54mm front piston. They are always stone cold even when my front wheels are untouchably hot, despite demonstrably working.

[Cedric]